Acts 19:11-20(En/Ko)
Scripture: Acts 19:11-20
Today’s Word
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. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. (Acts 19:11-20, NIV)
Background
Ephesus was one of the most important cities in Asia at that time. The city was famous for its massive temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis and was a center where magic and occult practices flourished. Many people relied on magic books and consulted sorcerers to solve their problems.
Paul stayed in Ephesus for about three years, preaching the gospel (Acts 20:31). God performed extraordinary miracles through Paul, leading many people to believe in Jesus. Today’s passage records an event that clearly demonstrates the difference between genuine divine power and counterfeit power.
Key Terms Made Simple
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God did extraordinary miracles through Paul: This means it wasn’t Paul’s own power, but God working through Paul as His instrument. Just as a painter uses a brush to create art, God used Paul to accomplish His work.
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In the name of Jesus: In Roman times, the phrase “in the name of Caesar” could only be used by those who had official authority from the emperor. Similarly, “in the name of Jesus” can only be used by those who have a genuine relationship with Jesus and have received authority from Him. Simply saying the name “Jesus” doesn’t produce power.
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Held the name of the Lord Jesus in high honor: “Lord (Kyrios)” was the term used to address the Roman emperor as the highest authority. Calling Jesus “Lord” is a confession that Jesus is higher than the emperor, higher than anyone else in the world.
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Fifty thousand drachmas: One drachma was a day’s wage for a laborer at that time. Fifty thousand drachmas equals about 137 years’ worth of daily wages, an enormous amount equivalent to approximately $5-7.5 million today. This shows how thorough the repentance of the Ephesian believers was.
Key Expressions to Notice
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“God did extraordinary miracles through Paul” (v. 11)
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“Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” (v. 15)
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“The word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power” (v. 20)
Main Points of the Text
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God performed extraordinary miracles through Paul (vv. 11-12)
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The seven sons of Sceva misused Jesus’ name and failed (vv. 13-16)
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The people of Ephesus truly repented and were transformed (vv. 17-20)
Applying to My Life
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I am God’s hands
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We must guard against formalistic faith
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Thorough repentance is necessary
Think About It
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Am I fully surrendering my life so that God can work through me? Or am I trying to do God’s work in my own strength?
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Are there any formal or habitual aspects in my faith life? Am I experiencing a genuine relationship with Jesus?
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What do I value more than God in my life? Am I ready to surrender it to the Lord like the Ephesian believers did?
