Acts 23:12-22 The Plot Against Paul And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.” So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.”

Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.”

So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”

Paul has a bright nephew in Jerusalem. While Paul is confronting the Sanhedrin, this young man is quietly hanging around listening for any plans to hurt Paul. The morning after Paul’s confrontation with the Sanhedrin, more than forty Jewish zealots band together, taking strong oaths that they will neither eat nor drink anything until they have murdered Paul. This group sends word to the Jewish leaders that they should manipulate the Romans to bring Paul back for further examination. At that time, these men will fall upon Paul and kill him. When Paul hears of the plot, he reports it to one of the centurions, who immediately sends Paul’s nephew to the commander.

Even though Paul is a prisoner, he has evidently impressed the Roman centurions as well as the commander. Paul speaks fluent Greek and likely also speaks fluent Latin, something that would put the Romans at ease. There’s nothing simple about trying to keep order among a people with whom you struggle to communicate. As a scholar, Paul might be able to quote a few of the famous Roman writers, something else that would impress the Romans. And Paul is used to meeting and chatting with people from all kinds of ethnic groups and all levels of society. The Jewish religious leaders, secure in their status, have quite possibly given the Romans the feeling that they are somehow socially superior, never a good idea, considering the fact that Jerusalem is under Roman rule. This report of a plot against Paul gives the Roman commander a wonderful opportunity to pass this problem on to someone else.

Acts 23:23- 35 Sent to Felix

“And he called for two centurions, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” He wrote a letter in the following manner:

Claudius Lysias,

To the most excellent governor Felix:

Greetings.

This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains. And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him.

Farewell.”

“Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. The next day they left the horsemen to go on with him, and returned to the barracks. When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.”

Well! The Roman commander in Jerusalem is doing his best to impress his superiors that he will protect Roman citizens at any cost. The commander organizes 200 soldiers, 200 spearmen, and seventy horsemen, plus mounts for Paul and whoever is traveling with him. This armed group leaves Jerusalem by night, traveling toward the port of Caesarea. So much for that carefully contrived plot. The commander also sends a very carefully worded letter to Felix, the governor, acknowledging Felix’s authority as well as hinting that the Jewish religious leaders will eventually make an appearance.

The story of Paul’s narrow escape from forty would-be assassins illustrates the way God can deliver His people. Because Paul has made such a good impression on the commander and because of his Roman citizenship, the commander sends 400 soldiers plus seventy horsemen, an incredible number of defenders. God has given Paul favor, and Paul’s life is spared.

Sometimes we might feel that God doesn’t care about us or that He has even forgotten us. But this story of Paul’s escape illustrates the fact that God can and will deliver miraculously. J. Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, used to say that “God’s work, done God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.” Sometimes we may wonder if this is true, but God doesn’t play favorites. What God has done for Paul, God can do for any of us if the situation demands it.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to trust Your provision and Your protection. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 23:1-11 Paul before the Sanhedrin

“Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.”

At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.

Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.”

But those standing nearby said, “How dare you insult the high priest of God!”

“Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”

Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”

As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.

A great clamor arose, and some scribes from the party of the Pharisees got up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” The dispute grew so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul to pieces. He ordered the soldiers to go down and remove him by force and bring him into the barracks.

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Having spent the night in bonds, Paul is now brought before the Sanhedrin, the body of Jewish religious rulers in Jerusalem. When Paul begins by making stating that he has conducted himself in all good conscience before God, the high priest immediately orders someone to strike Paul. Knowing full well that this is the high priest, Paul rebukes him for demanding an illegal action. This response leaves the audience aghast, for nobody has dared to say such things to Ananias, the high priest. When an onlooker informs Paul that this is the high priest speaking, Paul immediately quotes Scripture as a form of apology. But two things are going on here: Paul has succeeded in demonstrating that the high priest is demanding an illegal action and Paul is also demonstrating that he has a large knowledge of Scripture.

As a Pharisee and a former pupil of Gamaliel, Paul knows most of the members of the Sanhedrin quite well. Many of these men may be longing for the coming of the Messiah but their honest spiritual hunger has been quenched by filling the void with religiosity.  

“Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”

As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.”

Paul might be from Tarsus, but he’s spent enough time studying in Jerusalem to know all the ins and outs of the controversies between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. As soon as Paul introduces his hope in the resurrection of the dead, the Sanhedrin erupts into a fire storm of controversy, with Sadducees defending themselves loudly while Pharisees begin to defend Paul. The arguments become so heated that the commander removes Paul from the scene before his accusers can tear him to pieces. That night, Paul has another vision of Jesus in which Jesus tells Paul that he will go to Rome and testify about Jesus there as well.

We all love miracle stories in which saints or angels or Jesus appear to give messages to a blessed person. Why does Jesus appear to Paul after this grueling confrontation with the Sanhedrin? Prior to Paul’s conversion, he was one of the leading lights of the Sanhedrin. Many of those hurling accusations at Paul are doing so out of spite or disappointment that Paul has betrayed them by becoming a Christian. For Paul, this encounter must be incredibly painful, for many of these men are former friends and colleagues. Paul has entered upon this meeting with high hopes of somehow convincing these men of the reality of Jesus Christ’s resurrection; however, it is now obvious that these men have hardened their hearts and won’t listen to anything or anybody. Paul might remember a story that Jesus told about a rich man and a beggar at his gate. The rich man died and went to hell, while the beggar died and went to heaven. When the rich man begged Father Abraham to send Lazarus, the beggar, back to warn the rich man’s brothers, Abraham told the rich man that his brothers had Moses and the prophets. If the rich man’s brothers refused to believe Moses and the prophets, neither would they believe it if someone arose from the dead. Now Paul realizes the truth of that story.

The Romans are bemused by all this furor, but the one thing they desire above all else is peace. While Paul is in prison enjoying a vision of Jesus, the Roman commander is probably staying up late, trying to figure out how to handle this well-spoken Roman citizen who has obviously run afoul of local religious leaders. This might be a small country, but these people are very troublesome!

What might we learn from Paul’s tactics in this meeting? Once Paul realizes that witnessing to these men is hopeless, he concentrates on dividing the group so that they will argue among themselves and he can escape. Jesus warned his disciples not to cast pearls before swine, and obviously, these men are swinish in their lack of spiritual understanding. There’s no point in forcing the argument any further, for nothing will be gained. Sometimes, we must realize that arguments are useless and a strategic retreat is the wisest tactic. May God help us, so that we will know when to speak out and when to quietly move back!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves when dealing with critics. Give us the right words so that we will say only what You want us to say and the proper body language so that we will convey Your messages and none other. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 22:22-30 Paul’s Roman Citizenship

“And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!” Then, as they cried out and tore off their clothes and threw dust into the air, the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, and said that he should be examined under scourging, so that he might know why they shouted so against him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?”

“When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.”

Then the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?”

He said, “Yes.”

The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.”

And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.”

Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

The Sanhedrin Divided

The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them.”

Paul tells the truth, only to have the mob rise up screaming for his blood again. Now the mob is tearing their clothes, throwing dust in the air, and generally going crazy. The Roman soldiers drag Paul back into the barracks for further questioning. The soldiers are binding Paul with thongs when he quietly asks them, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?”

“When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.”

Then the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?”

He said, “Yes.”

The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.”

And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.”

Once more, Paul’s Roman citizenship saves him from being abused. Evidently, the commander is from some outlying province and has had to purchase his Roman citizenship at great cost while Paul has been borne a citizen. The commander does keep Paul bound in some fashion and arranges for the Sanhedrin to meet Paul on the following day.

How much is citizenship worth? When my husband’s US passport was stolen as we came through the airport in Accra in 1992, a US passport would then fetch $10,000 on the black market. Getting passports and renewing passports can be tricky and time-consuming. But there’s one form of citizenship open to all of us: through the sacrifices Jesus Christ has made for us on the cross at Calvary, we can all become citizens of heaven if we will turn away from our sins, confess them, and believe in Jesus Christ.

No matter what country issues a passport, that document will still have to be renewed at intervals. But when we become citizens of heaven, we don’t need to worry. As long as we are faithful to follow Jesus, our citizenship is secure. God has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us, and we can trust God’s promises.

May God help all who read these words to accept God’s free gift of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ and to become citizens of heaven.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, we confess that we are sinners and that nothing we can do is good enough to make up for our sins or to earn our way into heaven. Please forgive our sins. Thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins so that his blood sacrifice cancels out all our wrong-doing. Thank You that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can become citizens of heaven. We accept Your promise and ask You to help us to be faithful to You for the rest of our lives. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 22:1-21 Paul’s Defense at Jerusalem

“Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.” And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent.

Then he said: “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished.”

“Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’”

“And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’ And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.”

“Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’”

“Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’ So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You. And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’”

Paul is nothing if not brave. Here Paul is, having had to be carried bodily by Roman soldiers into the praetorium to avoid being torn apart by a hostile mob. Now Paul is addressing this furious group in Hebrew, shocking them into silence. Paul gives a brief account of his radical change of heart from persecutor of Christians to a preacher and teacher.

“Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me… Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’”

The crowd seems to be cooling off until Paul reports that God has sent him to the Gentiles. This statement is all it takes for the crowd to begin screaming for Paul’s blood.’’

Paul knows the emotions of the crowd, so why does he bother describing his encounter with Jesus? Paul is trying to be as honest as possible, and he wants to make sure that none of the religious authorities fail to hear his testimony. Paul still hopes that some of his former colleagues might have a change of heart if only they will listen to his testimony. But this is also Paul’s last attempt to make these men understand. If Jewish religious leaders refuse to listen, Paul feels he has done everything he can and is now completely free to go to the Gentiles.

When facing opposition, do we tell the whole truth or try to shade things a little to make them more palatable? We must be honest, we have no choice; we know we must tell the truth, even though we anticipate a bad reception. Here Paul gives a clear account of his divine encounter with the risen Jesus Christ, but he’s addressing a hostile audience.

Our responsibility is to tell the truth. The reaction of our audience is their choice, not ours. Once we deliver God’s message, we must trust Him to take care of us and our audience. May God help us so that we will be brave under fire.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to be faithful to You, even when we face fierce opposition. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 21:26-36 Arrested in the Temple

“Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.”

Remember those church leaders in Jerusalem who are still trying to compromise with the believers who are ultra-observant Jews? These men have virtually ordered Paul to undergo purification and to pay the ritual offering demanded for four men who have completed a vow and who are also undergoing purification with Paul. Sounds simple, right? But when Paul enters the temple with these men, hell is literally going to break loose!

“Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore, he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” (For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

Remember, Jerusalem is a cosmopolitan city, and Jews from all over the known world are gathering for the Feast of Pentecost. These Jews from Asia might not actually know much of anything about Paul; however, they’ve gotten hold of a bunch of vicious lies and are more than ready to persecute Paul. Perhaps some of these men have previously debated with Paul and lost while he was evangelizing in Asia. Now is their golden opportunity for revenge, and for proving that they can be more orthodox than those Jews in Jerusalem. Truth has nothing to do with this situation. Their minds are made up; don’t confuse them with the facts!

“And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut. Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done. And some among the multitude cried one thing and some another.

So when he could not ascertain the truth because of the tumult, he commanded him to be taken into the barracks. When he reached the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, “Away with him!”

It’s never difficult to assemble a mob in Jerusalem, and this time is no exception. Some of these men truly believe they are honorable Jews punishing a heretic. Others in the crowd might simply be hangers-on in the market place, ready for any kind of excitement. Still others might be getting some money to shout more loudly.

When the Roman commander gets word of the mob action, he organizes swiftly, taking armed soldier and centurions and running to where the mob is beating Paul. As Paul is suffering, does he remember standing by while Stephen was being stoned? The mob has become so violent that the Romans bind Paul with chains and physically carry him into their barracks where nobody else dare penetrate. Even so, those attacking Paul follow the soldiers all the way to the barracks, screaming for Paul’s blood.

Acts 21:37-40 Addressing the Jerusalem Mob

Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I speak to you?”

He replied, “Can you speak Greek? Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?”

But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people.”

So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying, “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.” And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent.”

The Romans have confused Paul with some Egyptian who has previously led a rebellion involving four thousand men. Many of the Jews in Jerusalem don’t really know Paul but they are certain he must be some heretic from Asia, since it’s the Asian Jews who have raised an outcry. Evidently, Paul addresses the Roman commander in fluent Greek, immediately getting his attention. This commander likely speaks excellent Latin, Greek, and possibly a few more languages as well, depending on where he has previously been stationed. When Paul informs the commander that he is a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, the commander immediately realizes that Paul must be a Roman citizen. Now the commander is concerned, for Roman citizens are not to be bound with chains without a fair trial. Who knows what political connections Paul might have? And unlike the mob, Paul addresses the commander courteously, using the form of address appropriate for the commander’s rank and position.

Being stationed in Jerusalem to keep peace among the Jews is no plum assignment for a Roman commander. These people are forever picking fights over theology and then demanding the Romans settle the matter for them. Some Romans follow the Roman traditional religions while many soldiers follow the cult of Mithraeus or sacrifice to the god Mars, the Roman god of war. Most Romans have little or no understanding of traditional Judaism, nor do they really care about the Jewish God. Throughout the Roman Empire, there are all kinds of local deities. The key thing is to demonstrate sufficient respect that local people will not riot while maintaining one’s own belief systems.

Most commanders long for the day they can return to Italia, perhaps to some desirable property in the peaceful Italian countryside. But this man Paul is a Roman citizen from Tarsus in the province of Cilicia and he seems like a decent fellow. The commander is inclined to investigate Paul further; besides, many of these Jewish religious leaders have made no pretense of their scorn for the Romans. Why satisfy these men who have behaved so arrogantly?

When we are in trouble, we must remember that God is the One who orchestrates our circumstances. Here, it is the hated Romans who rescue Paul from the ultra-religious Jews. The Roman commander might be fascinated by Paul, for Paul is obviously well-educated, well-spoken, and does not appear to be a threat to anybody. By now, the commander has undoubtedly gotten a full report of the incident in the temple and realizes that this mob scene has little to do with truth and everything to do with someone jumping to conclusions. Psalm 37:23-24 tells us, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Even though this mob in Jerusalem is screaming for Paul’s blood, God is using them to bring Paul into Roman custody. God wants Paul in Rome and the Romans are going to transport him there.

Sometimes we might find ourselves embroiled in all kinds of controversy that is not of our making. Someone in our situation has made major mistakes and is now attempting to divert attention from themselves by accusing us of things we have never thought of, let alone done. As long as our consciences are clear, we can relax, knowing that God is the One who will orchestrate everything. Lies might have long legs; however, the legs of truth are longer and stronger. May God help us to trust in His mercy and grace, so that we remain calm when unjustly accused!

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, deliver us from the need to justify ourselves! You are the One who justifies. You are the One who promotes. Help us to trust in You, even when we cannot see. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 21:1-14 Warnings on the Journey to Jerusalem

“Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.”

Paul is absolutely determined to make it to Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost. Paul and his companions have landed at Tyre and are slowly making their way to Jerusalem. But disciples in Tyre warn Paul through the Holy Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. Previously, Paul has already been warned by believers in Greece, Asia, and Macedonia. When Paul refuses to heed these warnings, all the disciples can do is to accompany Paul and his friends to the edge of the city, where they all kneel and pray. Paul and his friends board another ship headed for Ptolemais.

“And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, (the seven men earlier chosen to handle distribution of supplies to Greek widows and later led the Ethiopian eunuch to Jesus) and stayed with him. Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”

Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

From Ptolemais, Paul and his friends travel by land to Caesarea, where they stay with Philip the evangelist. While Paul is there, a prophet named Agabus strongly warns him, taking Paul’s belt and using it to bind his own hands and feet. Agabus prophesies that the Jews at Jerusalem will bind Paul and hand him over to the Gentiles. Paul’s friends are severely troubled, for Paul refuses to stay in a safe place, demanding to continue to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:15-25 Paul Urged to Make Peace

“And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. Also, some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge.

And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. Therefore, do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”

At this point, the early church is in a theological crisis. There are traditional Jews, who want EVERYBODY to follow ALL the traditional Jewish practices. Then there are people like Peter, who have received correction from the Holy Spirit and who realize these practices are not necessary but who follow them personally. Then there are Gentile Christians who have no experience of traditional Jewish practices. In an unfortunate attempt to placate the ultra-conservative Jewish Christians, church leaders beg Paul to take four men who have completed a vow, be purified with them, and pay their expenses at the temple to demonstrate that he is still a faithful practicing Jew. As we will soon learn this attempt at peace-keeping will prove disastrous.

Why does Paul insist on going on to Jerusalem, despite all these warnings? Paul is obeying the Holy Spirit. God is using Paul to warn other believers that obedience can be costly, and that they too may have to suffer for their faith. What if Paul were to remain in Asia, or Macedonia, or even Caesarea? Those places are lovely and full of people who would be thrilled to help Paul in his ministry. But God has a special assignment for Paul, one that demands his being arrested, imprisoned, and eventually carried to Rome. Only when Paul is in prison will he have time and leisure to write his epistles. No, if Paul is to remain faithful to God, he must go on to Jerusalem.

What about us? If we were to face the same challenges Paul did, would we willingly walk into a dangerous situation, knowing we might die? In 1958 David Wilkerson was pastoring a small church in rural Pennsylvania when he felt God calling him to minister to gang members in the worst part of New York City. Despite multiple death threats and frightening conditions, Wilkerson persisted, founding Teen Challenge and several other ministries that continue to this day. One of the gang leaders, Nicky Cruz, became a famous evangelist himself. Only in heaven will we know the total effect of Wilkerson’s willingness to obey the Holy Spirit.

May God help us, so that we will obey the Holy Spirit, no matter happens.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to be obedient, no matter what the cost. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 20:13-16  From Troas to Miletus

“Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.”

Paul is doing a farewell tour of places where he has taught and preached; however, he feels an incredible sense of urgency to make it to Jerusalem by the Day of Pentecost. Fearing that a visit to Ephesus would delay him too much, Paul sends for the elders of the Ephesian church, rather than going there himself.

Acts 20:17- 38 The Ephesian Elders Exhorted

“From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Not only does Paul know he must reach Jerusalem before Pentecost but the Holy Spirit continually warns Paul that he is about to endure imprisonment and suffering. Even so, Paul has only one goal: “finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

“And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore, take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”

Paul is a hard-nosed realist. No matter how carefully Paul has taught these men, he knows that once he is gone, false teachers are going to crop up, perverting the Gospel and confusing the faithful. Paul goes on to warn that some of these false teachers will come from among the very church leaders themselves, making it absolutely necessary for these men to watch and remember Paul’s warnings.

“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.”

Paul is delivering himself of his most intimate passions. Knowing that he will never see these men again, Paul is reminding them of the manner in which he has provided for himself and his companions in ministry and his simple life style. Paul continues to beg his friends to support the weak and to be as generous as possible. Finally, with everyone in tears, Paul says farewell and goes to his ship.

Few things are more painful than final good-byes. During our missionary careers, we have said final good-byes to parents and grandparents. One haunting memory is of Jean’s father following us to the gateway of the farm yard and waving good-bye as we left for the airport. In November 2021 we left America for Ghana while Jean’s beloved brother was dying with COVID pneumonia. Only the knowledge that we would see him again in heaven made it possible for us to go, but Christmas was coming, and our mission hospital would be one of the few hospitals fully functioning during the holiday.

Paul has a triple burden: he is bidding a final farewell to believers closer to him than his own family and he knows he won’t see them again this side of heaven. Paul already anticipates the rise of false prophets within the church who may deceive the innocent and pervert their faith. And Paul knows that his trip to Jerusalem will ultimately end in imprisonment and suffering, suffering he can only pray to endure.

How great is our passion for sharing the Gospel? How great is our passion for those who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? Do we weep for our unsaved family members and friends? Do we pray for those around us as we go through our days? What drives us? May God help us so that we will be as passionate about those around us as Paul is about his converts in Greece, Asia, and Macedonia!

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, please give us Your passion for those around us. Let our hearts break with the things that break Your heart. Help us to be channels of Your love and grace. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.  

Acts 20:1-6 Paul in Macedonia and Greece

“When the uproar (at Ephesus) had ended, Paul sent for the disciples. And after encouraging them, he said goodbye to them and left for Macedonia. After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece, where he stayed three months. And when the Jews formed a plot against him as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.

Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. These men went on ahead and waited for us in Troas. And after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we rejoined them in Troas, where we stayed seven days.

Things have become so hot in Ephesus that Paul feels it’s time for him to leave. With Paul out of the picture, disciples can quietly continue to tell people about Jesus without attracting undue attention. Evidently, the Jews form some kind of plot against Paul that precludes his undertaking a long voyage to Syria. Perhaps someone informs Paul that Jewish leaders have corrupted the crew of a sailing vessel so that they will throw him overboard once they are at sea. Anyhow, Paul changes plans, preferring to take a short voyage from Philippi to Troas. Once at Troas, Paul can take an overland route to Syria and then down to Jerusalem if he chooses.

Acts 20:7-12 Eutychus Revived at Troas (2 Kings 4:18–37)

“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight.

Now there were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. And a certain young man named Eutychus, seated in the window, was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell from the third story and was picked up dead. But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and embraced him. “Do not be alarmed!” he said. “He is still alive!”

Then Paul went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. And after speaking until daybreak, he departed. And the people were greatly relieved to take the boy home alive.”

Paul is about to leave Troas and he senses that this is the last time he will ever get to address these beloved friends. Never a brief speaker, Paul continues to teach until midnight. One teenager in Paul’s audience, Eutychus, has claimed a choice seat in a window, where he can be comfortable and catch the evening breeze. Unfortunately, Eutychus is too comfortable, so much so that he falls into a deep sleep, slumps, and tumbles out this third story window to the ground below.

Men in the crowd rush down to pick up Eutychus, crying, “He’s dead!” But Paul goes down, throws himself on the young man, and embraces him, reviving him. The boy immediately begins breathing and talking. Paul goes back upstairs, shares a meal with his listeners, and continues to teach until daybreak, at which time he leaves.

Does this story actually describe Paul doing an early form of CPR? Eutychus falls from at least a height of 7 meters, certainly a large enough height for him to die instantly, to suffer a severe head injury, or have the breath knocked out of him completely if nothing else. What moves Paul to throw himself on the young man’s body? Paul is a serious scholar and readily remembers the story of Elisha and the son of the Shunammite woman from 2 Kings 4:32-37. In that story, the prophet Elisha does something similar. “When Elisha came into the house, there was the child, lying dead on his bed. He went in therefore, shut the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the Lord. And he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands; and he stretched himself out on the child, and the flesh of the child became warm. He returned and walked back and forth in the house, and again went up and stretched himself out on him; then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. And he called Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite woman.” So he called her. And when she came in to him, he said, “Pick up your son.” So she went in, fell at his feet, and bowed to the ground; then she picked up her son and went out.”

Following the dictates of the Holy Spirit, Paul does something very similar to Elisha with wonderful results. Eutychus recovers completely. Paul returns to eat something and teach until daybreak, when he leaves Troas.

Notice what Paul does NOT do. Paul does not hang around to be congratulated for this miracle. Driven by the Holy Spirit, Paul is trying to cram all the teaching he can into his last few hours with the Christians at Troas. Paul realizes that he is simply a messenger, that all the power and glory belong to God in the first place. Paul likely remembers what Jesus has told his disciples as Luke has recorded (Luke 17:7-10) “And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”

Sadly, had we been the ones to bring Eutychus back to life, many of us would have been more than willing to take all the credit for being miracle workers. These days, there are many evangelists advertising “Festivals of Miracles,” as if they can dictate to the Holy Spirit. But when Jesus was conversing with Nicodemus, he warned Nicodemus that the Holy Spirit was like the wind, and nobody controls the wind apart from God. We would be well advised to have the same mind that Jesus has described: we are unworthy servants and God is the One making miracles happen. May God help us, so that we have an appropriate estimate of our importance versus His!

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to remember that all power comes from You and that You are the Miracle Worker, while we are only conduits of Your grace. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

 

Acts 19:21-41 The Riot at Ephesus

“When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.

And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover, you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.”

Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”

And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.”

Things have been going quite well with the ministry, and Paul is beginning to plan to visit Jerusalem and Rome. Paul is still in Ephesus, but he sends Timothy and Erastus back to Macedonia to encourage believers there. But problems are about to erupt.

Ephesus is the seat of worship for the goddess Diana, also known as Artemis. Who is this Diana/Artemis whose towering temple dominates the city of Ephesus? Wikipedia tells us, “In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Artemis (/ˈɑːrtɪmɪs/; Ancient Greek: Ἄρτεμις) is the goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, transitions, nature, vegetation, childbirth, care of children, and chastity… patron and protector of young children, especially young girls. Artemis was worshipped as one of the primary goddesses of childbirth and midwifery along with Eileithyia and Hera. She was also a patron of healing and disease, particularly among women and children, and believed to send both good health and illness upon women and children.”

David Guzik in his Enduring Word Bible Commentary tells us this about Ephesus:” This tremendous temple to Diana (also known as Artemis) in Ephesus was regarded as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was supported by 127 pillars, each 60 feet high, and was decorated with great sculptures. It was lost to history until it was discovered in 1869, and its main altar was unearthed in 1965.

i. “The epicenter of Artemis worship was a black meteorite that either resembled or had been fashioned into a grotesque image of a woman. The lower part was wrapped like a mummy…the idol was covered with breasts, symbolizing fertility.” (Hughes)

ii. “The Temple of Artemis was also a major treasury and bank of the ancient world, where merchants, kings, and even cities made deposits, and where their money could be kept safe under the protection of deity.” (Longenecker) https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/acts-19/

Throughout human history, women have always searched for some kind of divine assistance that would ensure fertility, safe pregnancies, easy child births, and healthy children. Lacking any knowledge of the One True Living God, it’s no wonder that Diana/Artemis would be a highly popular deity. Women likely beg their husbands who are doing business in Ephesus to bring back a small shrine. But worship of Diana also confers financial benefits as well. Evidently, the temple of Diana is functioning as a huge international bank with deposits under the divine protection of the goddess.

The city fathers of Ephesus have every incentive to make sure that nothing disturbs devotion to Diana in any form. Clearly, Christianity might pose a threat, for worshipers of Jesus have no need to worship Diana in addition. When Demetrius, one of the chief silver smiths, realizes the threat, he immediately organizes a mob scene. Many people flock into the local theater with no idea of what’s going on, only to find themselves caught up in a crowd chanting, “Great is Diana, of the Ephesians!”

But the city clerk is a brave man with a cool head. Addressing the crowd, the city clerk points out the fact that Demetrius’ accusations are baseless, that the courts are open to hear complaints, and that the Ephesians are in danger of attracting undue attention from their Roman rulers. Letting off steam is one thing; however, the Romans take a very dim view of rabble rousers of any stripe. If the crowd does not disperse swiftly and quietly, the local Roman legion might appear, and the situation might become very dangerous to all those in the theater. The city clerk dismisses the crowd.

Why are these rioters willing to listen to the city clerk and even obey him? The city clerk is obviously a man of great authority and power because after two hours of screaming themselves hoarse, the Ephesians come to their senses and leave the scene as quietly as possible.

The Encyclopedia of the Bible gives this information: “The town clerk, or grammateus, occupied a position of considerable importance in city administration. His initial duties consisted of keeping the records of the city, taking the minutes of the council and assembly, caring for official correspondence, receiving the edicts of emperors and governors, plus a great mass of miscellaneous documents, then filing and publishing these, as required. He publicly read decrees, put up temporary notices for the people to read, and those of permanent importance were inscribed on stone. This clerk of the Greek towns served a number of boards, and was the normal officer of the council; and, as indicated, was charged with many details of the administration of the city, in addition to supervising its archives. His work load was therefore heavy; hence he normally had a staff of assistants.

By the Antonine age, the grammateus had attained considerable importance in city leadership, and became a dominant political figure, who filled the highest magistracy the Roman colony had to offer. He enrolled new citizens in some towns, and occasionally the priesthood was combined with his office. Since his work necessitated such broad and specialized knowledge, the office was sometimes held for a long period of time, and exercised great influence in city affairs. He might also on occasion be a member of the Asiarchs, who seem to have been elected officers of importance, and who were drawn from the ranks of the wealthy and influential.

At Ephesus the town clerk was president of the assembly and probably of Roman aristocracy. He was frequently named on the coins and inscriptions of the city. Roman records show that he annually distributed money from the public treasury (evidently to the poor and needy), on the occasion of Antoninus’ birthday. This was authorized by both the council and the assembly (the town clerk had charge of the endowment for doles to be given to the citizens). Another record shows his distribution to the councilors of money presented by Vibius Salutaris.”

Religious fervor, greed, political intrigue-the mess at Ephesus has it all. But in the midst of the chaos, God sends a wise man to calm the crowds and bring sense to the situation. And the church in Ephesus continues to grow. It’s even possible that the controversy stirred up by Demetrius attracts even more people to consider the claims of Christianity. God can redeem any situation to His glory.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to trust You, even when things appear to be falling apart, knowing that You can bring glory out of chaos. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Acts 19:1-10 Paul at Ephesus

“And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”

And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”

So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”

Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all.

And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Apollos has moved from Ephesus to Corinth; however, before leaving Ephesus, he has baptized a number of people for repentance from sins, copying John the Baptist. Evidently, these events have occurred prior to Priscilla and Aquila teaching him about the Holy Spirit. Now Paul arrives, baptizing them in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul lays hands on these men, they receive the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying.

Paul returns to the synagogue at Ephesus and teaches there for three months until religious leaders begin trying to undermine his teachings. At this point, Paul withdraws to a local gathering place, the school of Tyrannus, where he teaches daily for two years. It’s likely that Tyrannus is presiding over a lecture hall, rather than a formal school. Such places are common at this time and afford anyone interested the chance to hear philosophers of various persuasions. Paul’s two years of teaching there indicates his popularity. Ephesus is a major trading center and a communications hub, so both Jews and Greeks have the opportunity to hear the Gospel during those two years.

Acts 19:11-20 Miracles Glorify Christ

“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.

And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.”

God is allowing major miracles to occur on the streets of Ephesus, for the Holy Spirit is graciously using handkerchiefs and aprons that have touched Paul’s body to deliver those suffering illnesses or demonic oppression. Although we might think such events have been limited to the days of Paul, there are Christians in many parts of the world who continue to be used by God in this fashion. Unfortunately, there are also would-be miracle workers who sell items that have allegedly been anointed, giving this practice a bad name. But the Holy Spirit continues to work, and people continue to be healed.

Evidently, there are itinerant Jewish exorcists attempting to cast out evil spirits. Why these men have had any success at all is a mystery, for they don’t have the power of God backing them. Now these men are calling on the Name of the Lord Jesus “whom Paul preaches.” One such group, the seven sons of a Jewish priest named Sceva, are humiliated when they try this tactic on a demon-possessed man, only for the demon to say, ““Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the demoniac attacks these men, beating them and stripping them so they flee naked and bleeding. There’s no room for fakery in the spirit world.

We might think that this incident is simply a small disaster, but it has wide-reaching effects. “This (the incident with the sons of Sceva) became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.”

Look at the enormous number of people who have been practicing magic, now coming to confess under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Not only have these people repented, but they are also bringing their books of magic to be burned at a time when books of any kind are both rare and expensive. Magicians copy incantations from these books, giving out small slips of parchment or paper of some kind to their clients for success in business, athletics, love, etc. There is even an ancient complaint about an athletic contest in which one wrestler was winning until close inspection revealed that he had incantations bound around his heels. When the incantations were removed, the opponent triumphed.  It is vitally important that these instruments of magic are burned rather than being buried or preserved where someone else can get hold of them. What is the value of these books? One source claims that 50,000 pieces of silver would represent 150 years’ wages for a working man. Other sources vary arguing as to the origin of the coins, whether Jewish or Roman. But the lowest estimate for the value of this silver is several hundred British pounds sterling. (https://www.studylight.org/commentary/acts/19-19.html)

“So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.” Consider the amount of evil previously concentrated in Ephesus. Revival among the Ephesian magicians paves the way for explosive church growth as those previously blinded by these people now learn the truth of Jesus Christ.

Make no mistake; magic is nothing to be toyed with. Wiji boards, Tarot cards, chanting slogans in hopes of summoning spirits, or playing “Mary Worth” in which the practitioner looks in a mirror and summons a spirit named Mary Worth-all these things are dangerous. I recall one Sunday in our Children’s Church in Southaven, MS, when a thirteen-year-old girl tearfully confessed how frightened she had become the night before. Evidently, this young lady was at a sleep-over with several other girls when someone initiated the “Mary Worth” game. But it quickly turned into something more frightening when a face actually appeared in the mirror and began talking to the participants. We prayed with this girl and counseled her about the power of Jesus to protect her from the evil to which she had innocently been exposed.

Here in Ghana, it is common for those leading people out of witchcraft to have them burn their equipment as a demonstration of repentance. We also advise tourists to be careful when buying souvenirs, particularly carvings. When we returned from Ghana in 1990, we found a carving of a drummer with a strange hairstyle among the things we had shipped. Neither of us could remember receiving this carving. We began feeling very uncomfortable in the presence of this carving, as if the eyes were following us around the room. We moved the carving from our living room into my office; however, eventually, my husband beat the thing into pieces and burned it, giving us a sense of extreme relief.

Dean Sherman, who has taught spiritual warfare for YWAM for years, declares that “There is more power in one drop of the blood of Jesus than in all the forces of hell.” But we must be wise and not bring something associated with those forces into our homes. May God give us discernment and wisdom as we live for Him! PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to follow hard after You and not to become involved in anything having to do with the occult. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.