BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 19:26

Thursday, 17 August 2023
 
“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. Acts 19:26
 
The verse more correctly reads: “And you see and hear, that not only in Ephesus, but almost all Asia, this Paul – having persuaded – seduced a sizable multitude, saying that they are not gods being made by hands” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Demetrius had called together the workers in the related silver trade and reminded them that they received a good income from their business. However, that was now threatened as Luke continues to relay his words, saying, “And you see and hear.”
 
The effects of Paul were readily apparent to Demetrius. And so, appealing to their own senses, he validates that what he is saying is obvious and true. Those in the silver trade had personally seen the scope of Paul’s ministry and they had obviously heard of it from those of other areas who had come to trade as well. That is seen in the next words, “that not only in Ephesus but almost all Asia.”
 
Paul was in Ephesus, but there were other churches in Asia as well. They may have been started by him or others, but if they were started by others (such as those who had been there at the first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection), they would have been more Jewish-centered. Paul was called as the Apostle to the Gentiles. Therefore, even if he did not start some of the other churches in Asia, he still would have had an effect on their expansion into the Gentiles of the community where they were.
 
Therefore, this verse provides confirmation of the scope and efficacy of the work conducted by him which is recorded in verse 19:10 –
 
“And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.”
 
He had such a great harvest among the Gentiles that it caused these people to feel the effects of his ministry personally and monetarily. It isn’t certain, but if the areas around the seven churches in Revelation were evangelized by Paul, along with those areas that he is definitively noted as having been at in Asia (Ephesus, Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis), almost two-thirds of Asia's coastline would have been affected by his efforts. That would certainly explain the great alarm of Demetrius. Therefore, his words continue with an emphatic note, “this Paul.”
 
The demonstrative pronoun calls attention to the source of their loss. One might say, “Paul is a real problem for us.” Or he might emphasize his words to get the point across, “That Paul, he is a real problem for us.” This is the sense of Demetrius’ words. He then continues to explain what the matter is saying, “having persuaded – seduced a sizeable multitude.”
 
The first verb means to persuade or convince. Paul was clear and precise in what he said, even to the point that people were convicted of their sins and certain that they needed what he offered in his words concerning the good news of Jesus Christ.
 
The second verb, methistémi, means to change, pervert, turn away, etc. In Colossians 1:13, it speaks of the change that takes place in us when we come to Christ. In the case of Demetrius’ thoughts about Paul, the word “seduced” probably carries the thought that was on his mind. Paul didn’t just persuade people with his rhetoric, but he seduced them away from what he believed was right, “saying that they are not gods being made by hands.”
 
Of these words, Bengel humorously asks, “Are they then, Demetrius?” Demetrius was so depraved in his thoughts that he believed the things he made with his own hands were actually gods. Just note the irony! If the idols he was making were really gods, then he – a man – was the creator of gods. This is the type of attitude that Paul addressed in Acts 17:29 –
 
“Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising.”
 
Paul also addresses the issue of such idolatry in Romans 1. From that springboard, having traded the truth of God for a lie, other sins inevitably develop. In fact, Paul’s list, which is at first based on turning away from God to idolatry, is quite extensive –
 
“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:28-32
 
But with Paul in the province of Asia, the unholy tide of idolatry was beginning to ebb. Surely at least in part because of his efforts, Ellicott notes these words –
 
“Pliny, in his Epistle to Trajan (Epp. x. 96), uses language, half a century later, which is hardly less strong, speaking of ‘deserted temples,’ ‘worship neglected,’ ‘hardly a single purchaser’ (rarissimus emptor) found for sacrificial victims.”
 
Life application: The stupidity of idolatry seems obvious to a person once he comes to know and understand the nature of the true God. And yet, idolatry is so infectious that it can continue in the lives of believers. We must always be on guard against it because anything can turn into an idol. And, depending on the church one is in, it can be reinstituted in the lives of adherents almost instantaneously.
 
An obvious example is the Roman Catholic Church which is so filled with idols that the true God has become an ethereal secondary thought to most Catholics. This is true with other orthodox religions. It can creep into any church that is not prepared to meet the temptation head-on.
 
Take the time to slowly read and think about the words of Isaiah 44:9-20. Consider what is being said about idolatry and then determine to weed all such ideas out of your life. Eyes on Jesus! Let your heart, mind, and soul be filled with the knowledge of Him at all times. This is the sweet spot for your life, doctrine, and practice of faith.
 
Glorious God, help us to constantly evaluate our lives, removing the idols from them as they creep up. May our hearts and affections be directed to You alone as we live our lives in Your presence. Thank You for the sure hope we possess because of Jesus. We need nothing else to connect with You. He is our All in all. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Acts 19:25

Wednesday, 16 August 2023
 
He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Acts 19:25
 
The words of this verse continue what was said in the previous verse. They read, “whom, having assembled also the workmen of such things, said, “Men, you know that from this business is our wealth” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Demetrius the silversmith was introduced. He made silver shrines of Artemis which brought the craftsmen no little profit. Luke continues this narrative while speaking of Demetrius and the craftsmen, saying, “whom, having assembled.”
 
Without going any further, one can deduce that the issue to be discussed is money. It was said that the craftsmen received no little profit from the making of these shrines. Now they are being assembled by Demetrius. Luke next records, “also the workmen of such things.”
 
These would be the unskilled laborers. The Greek word used to describe them is ergates. As can be seen, the root of the word is erg, such as in our modern word ergonomics. Being masculine, plural, it signifies workmen. After having gathered all these together, he said, “Men.”
 
Some translations here say “Sirs” instead of “Men.” However, this is simply an address to men regardless of class or position. For example, in Acts 16:30, where the jailor said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”, the word was one of respect for one with greater authority. Demetrius is addressing a crowd of men gathered together from various classes to discuss their livelihood.
 
He then continues, saying, “you know that from this business.” Now, using the word ergasia, he includes all of them in the thought. There is a large industry being considered. Demetrius is a silversmith, but the matter extends beyond him. It would affect miners, the smelters of metal, and many other steps in the process of making these shrines. It was a fully worked-out industry. And from it he next notes “is our wealth.”
 
The efforts of these workers were combined into one main business which is the Greek word euporia, a word found only here in the New Testament. It signifies what is derived from the business, meaning their monetary wealth. Thus, it is used in the sense of riches, wealth, etc.
 
Life application: When you think of something you pick up at the store, there is actually an entire business that is involved in making it, even something as simple as a pencil. In fact, if you considered everything involved in the making of a pencil, you would have a list many pages long. And yet, you would probably have forgotten something.
 
Think of what is involved in obtaining the wood, transporting it, etc. For example, a tree needs to have a saw to cut it down. But the saw is made of metal that had to be taken out of the ground and forged. The workmen need special clothes and personal protection for logging which must be obtained. There needs to be gas and oil for the chainsaw. Chains need to be replaced from time to time. The air filter might have been made in Wang Chung China and the spark plug may have been made in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
 
These things had to be gathered, itemized, placed in plastic bags, boxed, labeled, etc. The system that is in place to make a single pencil is so vast that it is literally beyond our ability to fully appreciate it. Each of the people involved is a part of the process. If a pastor picks up a pencil to use, that pencil represents thousands or tens of thousands – even an innumerable number – of people directly or indirectly involved in getting it into his hands.
 
The same is true with the paper he writes on. Etc. He could not easily compose his sermon without such a system in place. Therefore, each of those people was a part of what it takes for a sermon to be written out. God is using the mass of humanity to continue His plan of redemption, and each person should be considered as a part of the process of getting to the end of that plan.
 
No person should be considered too far from God’s grace to be given the gospel, and there should be no Christian who feels his or her job is not worthy of the notice of the Lord’s attention in the greater scheme of things. What may seem unimportant or tedious as a profession may be an intricately needed part of getting the most important sermon ever written out to the public.
 
We just don’t know how the things we do are going to affect things elsewhere and at some point in time. So do what you do to the glory of God. He knows exactly how you fit in, and He knows your worth, even if it escapes you. Trust that He has you exactly where you should be to get us to the end of this part of the story and onto the next part of what He is doing.
 
Lord God, thank You that we are included in the goodness of what Jesus has done for the people of the world. He came to redeem fallen man, and we are all a part of that state. Therefore, we must have value in this ongoing story that even we do not yet realize. The seemingly lowliest job or task may be an indispensable part of what is going on. May we do our part to Your glory because of this. Amen.

Acts 19:24

Tuesday, 15 August 2023
 
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. Acts 19:24
 
The words are better rendered, “For someone named Demetrius, a silversmith making silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing to the craftsmen no little business” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted that no small commotion about the Way arose. That now begins to be explained with the words, “For someone named Demetrius.” The name means Belonging to Demeter. But the name Démétér is the Greek goddess of agriculture and harvest. She also presided over divine law as well as the cycle of life and death. Thus, the name can also signify Belonging to the Earth Mother.
 
This person is next noted as “a silversmith.” The Greek word is argurokopos. It literally means a silver-beater or a silver-cutter. Vincent’s Word Studies notes, “In the next verse he mentions the workmen the two words denoting, respectively, the artisans, who performed the more delicate work, and the laborers, who did the rougher work.”
 
He was involved in the shaping of silver for “making silver shrines of Artemis.” Many translations say Diana instead of Artemis. Diana is the Roman name for the Greek goddess Artemis, which is what the text reads. Abarim notes the obscurity of the name. It is rather uncertain what the root of it is. However, they tie it to artames, meaning safe and sound, as well as to artemia, meaning soundness or recovery. As such, they define the name as Healer or Security. Concerning this particular deity, Barnes notes –
 
“This was a celebrated goddess of the pagan, and one of the twelve superior deities. In the heavens she was Luna, or Meui (the moon); on earth, Diana; and in hell, Hecate. She was sometimes represented with a crescent on her head, a bow in her hand, and dressed in a hunting habit; at other times with a triple face, and with instruments of torture. She was commonly regarded as the goddess of hunting. She was also worshipped under the various names of Lucina, Proserpine, Trivia, etc. She was also represented with a great number of breasts, to denote her as being the fountain of blessings, or as distributing her benefits to each in their proper station. She was worshipped in Egypt, Athens, Cilicia, and among pagan nations generally; but the most celebrated place of her worship was Ephesus, a city especially dedicated to her.”
 
Concerning Demetrius’ silversmith efforts, Luke next notes that his work “was bringing to the craftsmen no little business.” Like any such thing, there was profit to be made from peddling this particular religious idol. Of them, the Pulpit Commentary, citing Meyer, says –
 
“They were silver models of the famous temple of Diana at Ephesus, and were carried as charms on journeys and placed in people’s houses to ensure to them the protection of the goddess.”
 
Life application: If you think about it, these goofy little idols are actually no different than buying rosaries and images of Mary along with the countless other idols sold to adherents of the Roman Catholic church. There are entire websites set up to sell innumerable idols to dupe adherents into believing they will somehow be closer to God.
 
But innumerable Christians from other denominations are caught up in various types of idolatry similar to this as well. Some have Feng Shui objects, some read the daily horoscopes, and others use the cross as a talisman rather than as an object of remembrance of what Christ did. Such idols get set up in our hearts and they only remove us from a close and personal walk with the Lord.
 
Let us be careful to hold to the word of God as our source of understanding the Lord, and then let us adhere to it by walking closely with the Lord, loving Him with our hearts and souls, and clinging to Him in good times and in bad. Faith in the Lord is what pleases the Lord. Anything else is just a distraction and a hindrance to a close and personal walk with Him.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to remove the idols in our hearts and in our homes from our lives. May we cling to You alone as our hope, our Source of protection, and our joy. Help us to be faithful to You, just as You are always faithful to us. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Acts 19:23

Monday, 14 August 2023
 
And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. Acts 19:23
 
In the previous verse, Paul sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia while he stayed in Asia for a time. Now, it says, “And about that time there arose a great commotion.”
 
The NKJV makes the translation more of a paraphrase. Rather, it says, “And there came, at that time, no small disturbance.” This is referring to the time that Paul purposed to go through Macedonia and had sent the two missionaries ahead of him. At the time he was remaining in Ephesus, but certainly not long after the incident of the false exorcists being exposed, the events to be described came about.
 
When those exorcists were seen for what they truly were, the believers had a great turning in their hearts towards the Lord, burning their books that contained the magic, incantations, etc. That provides the backdrop for what lies ahead. As for the attitude of the believers that will bring this commotion about, Luke next says, “about the Way.”
 
In other words, it is their faith and what they have done to bolster it through their actions that were in accord with their lives in Christ that will bring about the commotion. Obviously, when such an event takes place, the people will be on fire for the Lord.
 
Not only will they remove the inappropriate things from their lives, but they will speak about what they have done to others, telling them that such things are futile and to trust in the Lord. As that word continues to spread, those who are opposed to such a change will not be pleased. Thus, the Way, meaning faith in Jesus Christ, is being set against what will next be described.
 
Life application: Personal experience in seeing others converted and the change in their lives will validate what is seen in the coming verses. For example, one ministry in Pakistan has frequent converts from Hinduism. Hinduism is a religion that is said to have over three hundred million gods. These are centered on a core set of gods, but Hinduism is an impossible quagmire of man seeking to please these innumerable supposed deities.
 
The priests at Hindu temples don’t help as they threaten the people through fear tactics, demanding money or the gods will be displeased with them. There is never a sense of security in salvation or a sense of intimacy with these gods.
 
However, that all changes when a person comes to Christ. This bondage is lifted, and truly unspeakable joy is realized when such a person finds out that God has reached down to them through the cross. He made the first move, and it was fully sufficient to bring about restoration and reconciliation.
 
Unfortunately, though, there is obvious blowback from this. The priests at the Hindu temples no longer have control over the people. They also can no longer shakedown those people for money. Because of this, there can be real trouble brought upon the new believers in Christ by the priests. They stir up the masses who are still living in bondage and fear, telling them to harm the Christian converts. As the Geneva Bible says, “Gain cloaked with a show of religion is the very cause why idolatry is strongly and stubbornly defended.” Geneva
 
Even the local Muslims will also come against the Christians because they too despise the freedom they see in them. Rather than attacking Hindus who are polytheists, they come against Christians who are monotheists. The thinking is completely convoluted, but it demonstrates the power of the gospel to both save and condemn, depending on whether it is accepted or rejected.
 
Think about this as the next verses are evaluated. But also think about those within Christianity who falsely proclaim that one can lose his salvation. To them, salvation is not by grace through faith because if a person can lose his salvation, then it is a salvation of works. Why would they hold to this? It is for the same reason as the Hindu priests – control.
 
God did not send Jesus to provide His people with eternal insecurity. Rather, He saves once and for all time. Hold fast to your freedom in Christ and know that God has adopted you as His Son. In this, you are forever reconciled to Him.
 
Heavenly Father, it is true that we can displease You through our actions after being saved, but we know that we shall never again be separated from You. You have saved us despite ourselves and for that we are forever grateful. Now, Lord, direct us in Your paths according to Your word so that we will be pleasing to You in all ways. Amen.
 

Acts 19:22

Sunday, 13 August 2023
 
So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time. Acts 19:22
 
The text uses participles to convey Luke’s intent: “And having sent into Macedonia two of those ministering to him, Timothy and Erastus, he held up for a time in Asia.”
 
In the previous verse, Paul had decided it was time to leave Ephesus and head to Jerusalem, but before going there, he wanted to pass through Macedonia and Achaia. After visiting Jerusalem, he then wanted to travel to Rome. In order to prepare for his trip to Macedonia and Achaia, Luke now records, “And having sent into Macedonia two of those ministering to him.”
 
This is to ensure that things were prepared for him when he would finally leave Ephesus. The matter of an offering being taken to Jerusalem was of great importance to Paul and he wanted to ensure that nothing would cause it to fail or that the commitments that had been made would not be met. Because of this, he sent “Timothy and Erastus.”
 
Timothy had already gone through Macedonia as is recorded in Acts 17:14, 15. He was also recorded as being in Corinth with Paul in Acts 18:5. Therefore, he was aware of the terrain and familiar with the people. As for Erastus, it is argued whether this is the same person as noted in Romans 16:23. If so, he is noted as the treasurer of the city. Therefore, as Barnes notes, he was “a very proper person to be sent with Timothy for the purpose of making the collection for the poor at Jerusalem. Paul had wisdom enough to employ a man accustomed to monied transactions in making a collection.” Either way, he is most probably the same Erastus mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:20. As for Paul, after having sent these two ahead of him, it says “he held up for a time in Asia.”
 
The word Luke uses, epechó, is seen just five times – all by Luke or Paul. It comes from epi (on, upon, etc.), and echó (have, hold, possess, etc.). Thus, it means to hold fast, hold up, give attention to, etc. For simplicity, most translations say remained, stayed, stopped, etc. In this case, the German word anhalten is a very good equivalent, but there is no single English word that really conveys the exact meaning.
 
As for Paul staying in Asia and the details about the collection, the traveling of Timothy, and so forth, this is conveyed in his first letter to the Corinthians –
 
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.” 1 Corinthians 16:1-12
 
Concerning his words “and there are many adversaries,” at least a portion of that will be clearly seen in the coming verses of Acts.
 
Life application: The amount of time and attention that Paul devotes to the issue of the collection for the saints is notable. Acts gives the background information, and the epistles give the instructions, admonitions, and petitions concerning it. It is evident from the detail in this matter, as well as Paul’s careful attention to not being a burden on the churches by working with his own hands, that he truly wanted it to be understood how important it was to not take the matter of other people’s money lightly.
 
As can be seen in 1 Corinthians 16:3 & 4 above, he even wanted others to be selected to handle the money. That way, he would not be accused of any wrongdoing or mishandling of the money. The reason this is important is because money is a means of expressing people’s time and effort.
 
If a person is a blue-collar worker, his time and physical effort are represented by the money he is paid. If a person is a white-collar worker, his time and mental effort are represented by the money he makes. If a person is an inventor, the money he receives from the use of his intelligence and skills in inventing represents what he has accomplished. An actor’s abilities are reflected in the money he earns for his acting. And so forth.
 
To mishandle other people’s money is to mishandle the thing that represents a portion, even a sizable portion, of that person’s life. This is why it is inappropriate for governments to fritter away what they tax from the people. It shows disrespect for those who have put in the effort to produce. Likewise, for a church or those who are responsible for the affairs of the church to have ostentatious displays of wealth demonstrates a lack of care for the time and effort of the people who give for the needs of the church.
 
Consider this and consider how your own church is run. Does the pastor have a fifty-million-dollar jet? That may sound laughable, but there are those that do. Be wise about where the money your church is given is spent. As noted, Paul was very cautious to do things above board at all times and in all ways, including concerning the money that he was involved in procuring for the needs of others.
 
Lord God, help each of us to be responsible with the things You have entrusted to us in this life. This includes how the money we have a part in controlling is spent. If there is a party or an individual in government that is prone to wasting the money of others, give us the wisdom to vote them out. If there is a ministry that is not proving successful, may we redirect away from it and use those resources more wisely. Help us to rightly consider such things. Amen.
 

Acts 19:21

Saturday, 12 August 2023
 
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.” Acts 19:21
 
The words more closely read, “And after these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in the Spirit – having passed through Macedonia and Achaia – to go to Jerusalem, having said, “That after I have been there, I must also see Rome” (CG).
 
The previous verse told of the word of the Lord growing mightily and prevailing. This occurred in Ephesus. Now a new direction takes place with the words, “And after these things were fulfilled.”
 
There was a time in Ephesus to evangelize, teach, and raise up leaders, and now that time is about to be fulfilled. Verse 19:10 said that this continued for two years. That was in addition to the three months he had spent reasoning in the synagogue. With this time in Ephesus coming to its completion, it next says, “Paul purposed in the Spirit.”
 
It is debated whether this should simply refer to a willful spirit in Paul or the Holy Spirit. The word is preceded by an article in the Greek text. Of this, Ellicott – who argues it should simply say “in spirit” – says, “The Greek word, however, implies a reference to something more than human volition. The spirit which formed the purpose was in communion with the Divine Spirit.”
 
If this is true, and it certainly is, then rendering it “in the Spirit” provides the honor of the communion to the Holy Spirit by saying “in the Spirit.” For example, Paul says elsewhere –
 
“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:24-26
 
This is something he repeats in various ways elsewhere. Paul was walking in the Spirit. He was in communion with the Spirit and thus he “purposed in the Spirit” to take action. Therefore, once the gospel was firmly fixed in Ephesus, he – and the Spirit he was in communion with – couldn't sit at ease any longer.  And so, it was resolved that it was time to move on. Therefore, it next says, “having passed through Macedonia and Achaia.”
 
Paul surely yearned to fellowship with the churches he had established. And so, it was his intention that prior to doing anything else, he would go through these areas, certainly anticipating a happy reunion with them, strengthening them, etc. In addition to this, he purposed to use this trip to gather a collection for the saints in Jerusalem. This is noted in his epistles, such as –
 
“But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:25-29
 
He also discusses this in great detail in 2 Corinthians 8. As for what he purposed in the Spirit after having passed through Macedonia and Achaia, it was “to go to Jerusalem.”
 
This was the purpose of the collection he was going to gather from those churches. Those who were in Jerusalem had ministered to the Gentiles in spiritual things. Paul thought it was appropriate to reward them by tending to them in material things. The entire matter concerning this offering was very sensitive. People had made promises and Paul expected them to be fulfilled.
 
This is especially true because the poorer churches had gone out of their way considering this offering. If the richer churches failed in their promises, it would be an embarrassment to Paul, a stain upon them, and a slap in the face of the poorer churches. Therefore, Paul carefully wrote out the necessity for everything to be handled in a proper fashion.
 
Once this offering was made, Paul had made plans beyond the trip to Jerusalem. Next, Luke records Paul “having said, ‘That after I have been there, I must also see Rome.’”
 
This is just what is recorded in the citation from Romans 15 above. He will, in fact, go to Rome. However, it will not be in the manner that he expected as indicated in those words. Of the words of this verse, the Pulpit Commentary, citing Bengel, says –
 
“Observe also the insatiable appetite of the apostle for spiritual conquests, and his noble contempt for idleness. He has but just won Ephesus and Asia, and already he undertakes Macedonia and Achaia. Nor does his mind stop there, but reaches on to Jerusalem, then stretches onwards to Rome, and meditates the invasion of Spain. Truly neither Alexander, nor Caesar, nor any hero of antiquity was a match for this little Benjamite (paulus) in the magnanimity of his designs.”
 
Life application: There is never a time that we can say, “I have nothing else to do in my walk with the Lord.” It is true that Paul said to Timothy that he had finished his race, but the context must be considered –
 
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8
 
In his words, the surrounding verses tell us that Paul’s race was ending only because of his anticipated death. In the verses following this, he continued to give instruction to Timothy which confirmed he was still active and would continue until that day had arrived.
 
Even if we are on our deathbed, there is no reason to keep silent about Jesus. If a doctor or nurse comes in, it is time to tell them the good news. If an unbelieving family member comes by, it is time to speak about the hope you possess. Let us continue in the good fight until we can no longer speak. Eternal destinies are being decided in those we encounter from moment to moment.
 
Heavenly Father, give us the strength to speak out about Jesus until our dying breath. And more, instill in us the desire to do so. If we fail to speak, we may miss the only chance someone ever has to hear the good news about Your offer of peace and reconciliation. Yes, Lord, help us to do this until our final day arrives. Amen.

Acts 19:20

Friday, 11 August 2023
 
So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. Acts 19:20
 
The construction of the Greek is unusual and is widely translated, but a literal translation would be, “Thus, according to might, the word of the Lord: growing and availing” (CG).
 
Also, depending on the Greek text, the two main thoughts are reversed –
 
“Thus, according to might, the word of the Lord: growing and availing.”
“Thus, according to the might of the Lord, the word: growing and availing”
 
The first will be used for the evaluation.
 
In the previous verse, the believers who had been meddling in the world of superstition and the occult had brought their books and burned them up, despite the high value that they could have been sold for. With that, it now says, “Thus, according to might.”
 
The construction of the Greek almost demands that a preposition and a noun be taken together adverbially, as in “And so mightily grew.” Others use the preposition “with” and translate it as “And with might.” However, the word kata doesn’t mean “with.” Rather, it literally means “down from,” as if coming from a higher to a lower plane. As such, the meaning is more like “according to.” To retain the structure, it will be rendered this way, “Thus according to might.”
 
Therefore, it means that there is power in what is being referred to, which is “the word of the Lord.” Despite the Greek which clearly says, “Lord,” some translations like the KJV say “the word of God.” This error goes back to at least the Tyndale Bible of 1526. It was then corrected by the Coverdale Bible of 1535, but the error was reintroduced in later versions.
 
Hence, it is not Scripture, the word of God, but the doctrine about Christ, the word of the Lord, that is being referred – His name, His deeds, etc. Further, it is according to might that it is then said to be “growing and availing.”
 
Again, the words are widely translated. The first, auxanó, is completely ignored by the KJV. It means to cause to increase, to increase, become greater, or grow. The second word is ischuó. It means to have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, and even to prevail. For this reason, many translations say, “prevailing.”
 
It is defined by HELPS Word Studies, noting that for the believer it “refers to the Lord strengthening them with combative, confrontive force to achieve all He gives faith for. That is, facing necessary resistance that brings what the Lord defines is success (His victory...).” As such, the word availing seems appropriate.
 
The might of the word of the Lord is what is useful in causing the desired outcome to occur. This is just what had been happening with the believers that had heard about the power of the Lord and dedicated themselves more fully to Him. Taking the first clause of the previous verse and connecting it to the words of this verse, the progression is more perfectly seen –
 
“And many of those who had practiced the meddlings, having collected the books, were burning them before all. ... Thus, according to might, the word of the Lord: growing and availing.”
 
The might, the word of the Lord, was the impetus for the growing and availing of the faith of those who heard it. It proceeded to win out over the false doctrines and names of the enchanters. The believers, in turn, acted upon their increased faith through a demonstration of the change that occurred in them.
 
Life application: Do you feel ineffective in your walk with the Lord? The words of this verse provide the solution. You are not going to become an effective Christian by watching TV all day. You will not become an effective Christian by listening to life application sermons that build you up for a particular aspect of your life unless they are wholly rooted in the word of God. And even then, you will need to hear and also remember a life application on every possible contingency that life throws at you to be able to apply what you are told in any given situation.
 
What you really need is to read the word, the Holy Bible, and to contemplate what it says. You must be aware of the power of Jesus, the Lord incarnate, as it is revealed there. From there you can understand what He means in relation to our sinful state. You can consider the covenant faithfulness of God, understanding that when you fail Him, He will never fail you. When you are faithless, He will remain faithful because He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13).
 
In other words, if you have believed the gospel, you have been saved. You are now “in Christ.” Because of this, He cannot deny the relationship that exists. You are a part of Him and He cannot deny this. Understanding such things will allow you to grow and to avail in Him because you understand the might of the word of the Lord. In summary: Read your Bible.
 
Lord God, help us to devote our time wisely by spending time in Your word. Give us the strong and burning desire to know You and to be more like You from day to day. It is Your word that will instruct us in this, and so give us this wisdom and ability that we ask for. Amen.

Acts 19:19

Thursday, 10 August 2023
 
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. Acts 19:19
 
The verse more precisely reads, “And many of those who had practiced the meddlings, having collected the books, were burning them before all. And they calculated the prices of them and found them five myriads of silver” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted that many who had believed came and confessed by telling their deeds. Now, along with confession, personal deeds of repentance are noted by Luke, beginning with, “And many of those who had practiced the meddlings.”
 
The word translated as “meddlings” is a plural adjective, periergos. It comes from two words signifying “all around” and “work.” It is only found here and in 1 Timothy 5:13 where it is translated as “busybodies.” Of this word, HELPS Word Studies says, “properly, worked all-around, which describes "over-doing" – i.e. spending excessive time (effort) where it doesn't belong (or should not happen).”
 
Further, it denotes types of things requiring care or skill. Thus, it was applied to the arts of “magic, jugglery, and sleight of hand” (Barnes). Today we might see it in fortune tellers, palm readers, horoscopes, feng shui, exorcists, séance folks, Tarot readers, and the like.
 
It is variously translated as curious arts, magic(al) arts, witchcraft, etc. The Worsley New Testament uniquely says, “inquisitive arts.” To keep it as a single adjective in the plural number, using “meddlings” gets the point across. These people had been spending time prying into matters where they did not belong. Of these people, it next says, “having collected the books.”
 
They each had their own books of spells and incantations by which they pursued these forbidden arts, using them to tell the future, cast spells, drive out demons, or whatever the books were purposed for. Of the word translated as “books,” Vincent’s Word Studies says –
 
“Containing magical formulas. Heathen writers often allude to the Ephesian letters. These were symbols, or magical sentences written on slips of parchment, and carried about as amulets. Sometimes they were engraved on seals.”
 
Realizing that they were meddling in areas that they should not be a part of, especially now that they had received Jesus, they collected them together and “were burning them before all.”
 
The words are in the imperfect tense, giving the graphic idea of throwing book after book on a burning pile. The idea we are to get from this verse is that they openly practiced pagan arts and so now they are openly avowing Christ and disavowing their past lives.
 
They made an open and public pronouncement of their commitment to Christ and their renouncement of their old way of life through this act. To most, it probably never dawned on them that what they were doing, or the books they had been keeping, were not acceptable. They had a new life and a new direction, but they had not taken the time to consider how that had replaced their old way of life. Paul’s words to the Corinthians match the new attitude of these people –
 
“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-19
 
Of these books that were brought and burned, Luke next records, “And they calculated the prices of them.”
 
Here is a word found only this one time in Scripture, sumpséphizó. It is a compound word signifying “to count together” and thus to calculate. As the word “prices” is plural, one can see them tossing the books on the burning piles and saying, “Well, there goes $900.00. Here goes another $750.00.” They added up the total as they went, “and found them five myriads of silver.”
 
This is a literal translation, but it would signify five ten thousands and thus fifty thousand of argurion, or silver. It is a word used many times in the gospels, however, it is improbable that it is Jewish equivalent of money being referred to here. Thus, it is an unknown amount. However, if it is comparable to a drachma, it would still be a whole heap o' money. Many thousands of dollars would not be unlikely. Marvin R. Vincent (1834-1922), who authored Vincent’s Word Studies, notes, “If reckoned in Jewish money, about thirty-five thousand dollars; if in Greek drachmae, as is more probable, about nine thousand three hundred dollars.”
 
Life application: Think of what has happened in this and the previous verses and consider it in relation to the salvation of man, especially considering Paul’s words of 2 Corinthians cited above. These were saved believers. They had been saved by faith in the work of Christ and had entered into the New Covenant in His blood.
 
The blood is a covering and a mark of propitiation for the sins they committed. And yet, they had continued an indeterminate amount of time in pursuing forbidden arts. As noted above, they could be comparable to fortune tellers, palm readers, horoscopes, feng shui, exorcists, séance folks, Tarot readers, and the like.
 
Did they know they were doing wrong? Apparently not. They had not yet received instruction to tell them that God does not approve of such things. In seeing the events of the Jewish exorcists, they had come to realize more fully the power of Christ, the holiness of God, and the utterly futile state of the nutty things they were involved in.
 
Now suppose these people had gone to a Billy Graham crusade in 1977. They heard the message, they believed it, and they were saved – having been sealed with the Holy Spirit at that time. From there, one went back to his house and started reading the Bible he bought on the way home. He quickly realized that reading the daily horoscope was bad juju and so he immediately gave that up.
 
The next started going to the already apostatizing Episcopal church on his island that conducted palm readings at their annual church fair. One went back to his farm that didn’t even have a telephone and he had little contact with anyone outside of his little town, a town with no church at all. They all practiced divining and séances each Saturday.
 
Eventually, the guy at the Episcopal church went on vacation and attended a Baptist church. He realized that palm reading is not something he should be involved in. He started reading his Bible and left that crummy Episcopal church. He didn’t like the new female priest anyway. In reading his Bible, he found other things the Episcopal church was doing wrong, like having a female priest to lead them.
 
The guy on the farm got a new truck in 1994 and it had a radio in it. While listening to Moody Radio, he found out that the things he was doing were not right. He remembered when he was saved, recommitted his life to Jesus, started reading the Bible and listening to Moody preachers each day. Further, he told every single person in his town about Jesus and became the town’s pastor.
 
Which one of these people who continued in his inappropriate lifestyle had lost his salvation? Which one of these men had earned his salvation? The answer to both is, “None of them.” Whether the change came immediately, after a year, or after 20 years – or if it never came – the matter of his salvation was one category. The matter of his doctrine and conduct was another completely separate category. Remember Paul’s words “that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them.”
 
They were under the blood of the New Covenant. It is not they that are required to perform for salvation. Rather, it was Christ who saved, and it remains Christ’s obligation to bring it to its fruition. Their salvation is not in question. Instead, their life in Christ is one that must come with proper instruction and active pursuit of what God expects. Remember this lesson and know that your life in Christ began the moment you believed. That will never change. Now, it is up to you to apply yourself in the pursuit of what will be pleasing to Him.
 
Lord God, may we learn to keep our categorical boxes concerning our life in You straight. You are the One who saves based on our act of faith. We are to then live out that salvation to Your glory, rejoicing in the fact that we were saved and continue to be saved by Your grace. Thank You, O God, for having saved us unto eternal life. Amen.

Acts 19:18

Wednesday, 9 August 2023
 
And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Acts 19:18
 
The NKJV cleared up several errors from the KJV, but it is still better translated as, “And many of those having believed, were coming, confessing and announcing their deeds.”
 
The previous verse noted that the matter of the man with the evil spirit overpowering the false exorcists became known to all the Jews and Greeks in Ephesus and that fear fell on them and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. Because of that, it next says, “And many of those having believed.”
 
The verb is a perfect participle. They had believed and that was an accomplished fact. When they believed they were saved through that belief. Their confession then is a follow-up to their belief (at which time they were saved), not a precursor to it. The ESV does a good and understandable paraphrase by saying, “many of those who were now believers.”
 
As can be seen, belief does not necessarily mean living rightly. Proper doctrine and properly aligned faith, leading to a proper walk before the Lord, takes time. No person is saved and is then suddenly a noted theologian. Rather salvation is a one-time and for-all-time matter, but there is much more to follow as a person learns what is right. Of these that had believed, they “were coming.”
 
The verb is imperfect, and it shows an ongoing procession of people coming forward. What is possibly the case is that someone was convicted of not living rightly for the Lord. In seeing what happened with the false exorcists, he realized he had been accepting falsities into his life.
 
In his coming forward, another came. After that, another and another came. Each realized as he saw the others coming forward that he also needed to adjust his walk to be a proper and pleasing follower of the Lord. Because of this, they were coming forward “confessing and announcing their deeds.”
 
Of these words, Vincent’s Word Studies says, “The two words denote the fullest and most open confession. They openly (ἐξ) [ek: from out of] confessed, and declared thoroughly (ἀνά, [ana: upwards] from top to bottom) their deeds.”
 
Nothing is said about where the confession was made, but it is obvious from the actions of the next verse that it was public. This then has no similarity to the closed confessionals of some churches. Forgiveness and cleansing don’t come from a priest or from works, but from Christ. From there a clear conscience won’t hide what has been forgiven. This was also the case at the time of John the Baptist’s ministry –
 
“Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:5, 6
 
It is also something that goes back to the time of Solomon. In the Proverbs, he wrote –
 
“He who covers his sins will not prosper,But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
 
Likewise, James speaks of the power of confession –
 
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16
 
Life application: The people that came forward were saved believers. The use of the perfect participle clearly shows that at some previous point, they were saved, and that salvation adhered to them like glue. And yet, it now acknowledges that they had been caught up in wrong practices. They were convicted, and they came forward to acknowledge that. As noted, this line of thought will continue into the next verse.
 
So, which sins were the ones that removed their salvation from them? Obviously, we have no idea what things they had been doing wrong after being saved, and that appears to be purposeful on Luke’s part. He understood that the litany of transgressions that were confessed had not brought them to a loss of salvation because he understood that salvation is a covenant made by God in Christ and accepted by the one who believes.
 
Because the covenant is initiated and granted based upon faith, and that it is initiated the moment that faith exists, and because He – at that time – seals the believer with His Holy Spirit, that salvation – by default – is eternal. God, unlike us, does not violate His covenant. Pick your sin that you believe supposedly separates a saved believer from God and try shoving it into the confessions announced in this verse. Oops. Too late. The verb form noted that they were saved and continued in that salvation.
 
Salvation, by default, is an eternal proclamation by God. If you disagree, you are rong.
 
Lord God, thank You for saving us despite ourselves. You have entered into a covenant relationship with us through the giving of Your Son. You already know that we will fail and that if it was up to us, our salvation would be lost. But it is by grace and through faith, not by deeds we may or may not do. Thank You for our eternal salvation in Christ. Amen.

Acts 19:17

Tuesday, 8 August 2023
 
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. Acts 19:17
 
In the previous verse, the false exorcists were overpowered by the man who was possessed. They all fled out of the house naked and wounded. Because of this, it next says, “This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus.”
 
As usual, the word all does not necessarily mean all in the absolute sense. In this case, it means any who were willing to hear it. There are people who never get involved in spiritual things. There are people who work all day, come home and eat dinner, and then go to bed, totally uncaring about anything else outside of their small circle of life.
 
The general statement, Jews and Greeks, gives the sense of the totality of who heard, even if not all Jews and Greeks actually heard. The event occurred, people heard about it, and then they passed that on to others. Eventually, the story generally permeated the entire area of Ephesus. And of those who heard, it next says, “and fear fell on them all.” This is not unlike what was stated in Acts 5 at the time of the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira –
 
“So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.” Acts 5:11
 
The people of Ephesus have come to understand one of the traits of the Lord. He is not just merciful and forgiving, but He is also holy. He and His name are to be treated as such. The false exorcists used His name as comparable to any other false god, and from it, they learned a lesson. Therefore, certainly among them as with all who heard, Luke next records, “and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.”
 
This is the purpose of the miracles God did through Paul and it is the purpose of God allowing the man with the evil spirit to overpower the false exorcists. It is a different thing than what occurs in Luke 9 –
 
Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.”50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.” Luke 9:49, 50
 
Jesus said that if those in Israel were not against Him, they were for Him. These guys in Acts 19 were then clearly not “for” Jesus, but there is a difference. Jesus’ earthly ministry to Israel was complete. If these exorcists had succeeded, they could have then stood against Paul, just as Jannes and Jambres stood against Moses, thereby hardening Pharaoh's heart.
 
In contrast to them, fear fell on all the Ephesians. In this, the name of Jesus was given its right place of honor among both Jews and Gentiles in order to meet God’s purposes. If He wanted those in Ephesus hardened as Pharaoh was, then He may have allowed these men to succeed. Remember what happened in Acts 13. When Elymas the sorcerer stood against Paul, Paul spoke out against him –
 
“Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, ‘O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.’And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.” Acts 13:9-12
 
While in Israel during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, it would be a completely different paradigm than what later occurred among the Gentile nations. Jesus’ name was allowed to be proclaimed even by those who didn’t follow Him because it still directed people to His ministry, a ministry that was eventually rejected by Israel as a nation.
 
On the other hand, the exaltation of Jesus’ name among the Gentiles is of primary importance in it being properly conveyed from place to place. With the Bible complete, there no longer needs to be the same attention placed on this aspect of the ministry of the church. We are to proclaim Jesus, explain our faith in Him, and allow the words of Scripture to support what we believe.
 
Such things find their proper place when considered from the context of the times in which the events take place.
 
Life application: Today, it is fashionable for people to openly speak against the name of Jesus. It is also normal and acceptable for people to destroy the Bible publicly, such as tearing it apart, sinking it in wastewater, burning it, etc. Although this may be upsetting to Christians because of the value we place upon the name of Jesus and the sacredness of the word of God, it is obviously not something that God stops or interferes with.
 
The context of the times in which we live does not necessitate Him doing so. The word is written. It is widely available. Doctrine from it can be obtained by going to a reliable church or listening to teachings in an innumerable number of formats via TV, radio, the internet, etc. For those who hear and reject it, they cut themselves off from the means by which God has offered salvation.
 
As long as we are directing people to Jesus through evangelism, and as long as the word is promoted for instruction and doctrine in the faith, we are doing our part in bringing people to Jesus. If God wanted to contend with these people, He would do so. As He doesn’t, because the times do not necessitate that He does, then we need to accept that as His decision and not get all bent out of shape at the state of the world and the state of the human heart that rejects Him.
 
Remember the words of Gideon –
 
 But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Would you plead for Baal? Would you save him? Let the one who would plead for him be put to death by morning! If he is a god, let him plead for himself, because his altar has been torn down!” 32 Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, “Let Baal plead against him, because he has torn down his altar.” Judges 6:31, 32
 
Just as Baal (if he was a real god) was to plead against one coming against him, so the Lord (the true God) will plead against those who come against Him at the appropriate time. For now, the times dictate that free will in man allows him to do what God will judge later. Until that day, keep being a proper witness to what you believe. Expressing to others your faith and hope is what is to lead them to a saving knowledge of Jesus.
 
Lord God, help us to rightly think through the times in which we live. May we be faithful servants who are willing to share our faith in You and in the word You have given to us. From there, it is up to those we speak with to decide whether they will believe or not. We don’t need external confirmations of the power You possess. The change in the human heart upon accepting the gospel is a demonstration of Your power all by itself. Thank You for the hope we possess! Amen.

Acts 19:16

Monday, 7 August 2023
 
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. Acts 19:16
 
The verbs in the NKJV need a bit of a tune-up. It more closely reads, “And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, having leaped on them, and having overpowered them, prevailed against them, so that naked and wounded they fled out of that house” (CG).
 
In these words, we see a striking contrast to the previous verse. The words begin with, “And the man, in whom was the evil spirit.”
 
In the previous verse, it said, “the evil spirit said to them.” Now it says, “the man in whom was the evil spirit.” As such, it is a clear indication that the man was truly possessed. Not only did the spirit speak through him, but he also caused the man to act. That act is then described with the words, “having leaped on them, and having overpowered them.”
 
It should be noted that in some manuscripts, it says “both of them” instead of “them.” In other words, only two were overpowered. This seems unlikely as Luke had just clearly identified all seven sons. The only explanation for saying “both” would be that it is not referring to two sons of Sceva, but that it is referring to both classes mentioned in the previous verses, meaning the itinerant Jewish exorcists mentioned in verse 19:13 along with the seven sons of Sceva noted in verse 19:14.
 
Either way, at least seven and maybe more got a good pounding for their presumption. This is not at all impossible considering the state of the demoniac in the Gadarenes noted in Mark 5 –
 
“...no one could bind him, not even with chains, 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. 5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.” Mark 5:3-5
 
The power of a person who could pull apart shackles and chains could also easily overcome a bunch of unprepared charlatans that made their money off of fooling the people with their supposed spiritual powers. After leaping on them and overpowering them, it says he “prevailed against them.”
 
Despite the numbers, he completely subdued them. This shows the power of a madman, whether by spirit, because of a medical condition, or by being energized through drugs. One in such a state should never be taken lightly. So violently did he tear at them and pound on them that Luke next notes, “so that naked and wounded they fled out of that house.”
 
The word translated as “naked” can mean either completely naked or disrobed but still wearing the undergarments. Either way, these men would have been humiliated, bruised, and bleeding as they fled from the power of this possessed man.
 
Life application: The truthfulness of this account is actually seen in what has not been recorded. Luke notes what happened, but if the record was written to show the supremacy of Paul’s doctrine over these false prophets, it would have included a continuation with words about Paul going to defeat the power of the evil spirit in the name of Jesus.
 
But this was not the intent of Luke’s writing. Rather, a brief and accurate description of what occurred was laid out detailing the power of Jesus to heal through Paul, even when Paul wasn’t physically present. On the other hand, a large number of men couldn’t subdue a single person who was possessed by an evil spirit.
 
As for what occurred, it should be a reminder to Christians to not get mixed up with nutty people who claim to exorcise demons and evil spirits. As they have nothing in Scripture to explain how this is to be done, there is every chance that such people will eventually face a good pounding, or worse, by taking things into their own hands.
 
Rather, if you suspect someone is possessed and want to help him, be ready to give him the gospel. If the person is willing to accept the good news, God will deal with him accordingly. Don’t try to be a hero when it is God who should handle the situation. Your job is to speak out the gospel. His job is to accomplish the work after that.
 
Lord God, help us to be wise in how we speak to others about the saving message of Jesus. May we carefully and cautiously speak forth the words You have given us to lead others to this saving knowledge. Beyond that, You will do what is right to bring them to Yourself on that great Day when You call us home. Give us wisdom in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 19:15

Sunday, 6 August 2023
 
And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Acts 19:15
 
The translation could be better: “And having answered, the evil spirit said to them, ‘Jesus I know and Paul I acknowledge; and you – who are you?’”
 
The previous verse mentioned that there were seven sons of a high priest known as Sceva who acted as exorcists. They had decided to use the name of Jesus whom Paul proclaimed to cast out evil spirits. In doing this, a response was received from someone who truly was possessed by an evil spirit. Luke records the event, beginning with, “And having answered.”
 
As in the gospels at times, this evil spirit acknowledges the attempt to cast him out, demonstrating that they can think and respond independently of the person they possess. In this case, it next reads, “the evil spirit said to them.”
 
The evil spirit speaks through the man and for the man. It is the same as occurred with the demoniac in the Gadarenes. The plural, them, means that all seven of the sons are involved. They worked together like the false prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. This is contrastedcontrasts with the way that Luke presented the healings and exorcisms connected to Paul. He wasn’t even around. Rather, only his handkerchiefs and aprons were there to make a connection to his ministry. In his response to these seven sons of Sceva, the evil spirit said, “Jesus I know and Paul I acknowledge.”
 
Two different words are used, and the difference should be made in the translation to identify this. However, both words are rather close in meaning and both give the sense of knowing. Vincent’s Word Studies says –
 
“There is a purpose in using two different words to denote the demon's recognition of the Divine Master and of the human agent, though it is not easy to convey the difference in a translation. It is the difference between an instinctive perception or recognition of a supreme power and the more intimate knowledge of a human agent. A divine mystery would invest Jesus, which the demon would feel, though he could not penetrate it. His knowledge of a man would be greater, in his own estimation at least. The difference may be given roughly, thus: ‘Jesus I recognize, and Paul I am acquainted with.’”
 
Actually, it is just the opposite. The first word is ginóskó. HELPS Word Studies says that it signifies to know through personal experience; to experientially know. They then cite Luke 1:34 as an example, “And Mary [a virgin] said to the angel, ‘How will this be since I do not know (1097 /ginṓskō = sexual intimacy) a man?’”
 
There is an absolute understanding that exists with this type of “knowing.”
 
On the other hand, the second word is epistamai. It is derived from epi (upon or on the basis of) and histémi (to set, stand, establish, etc.). It gives the sense of being acquainted with, gaining knowledge through acquaintance, carefully studying a matter, etc.
 
In the case of Jesus, the evil spirit had an experiential knowledge of Him. In the case of Paul, he had come to know him because Jesus was working through him. Thus, he knows Jesus in an intimate way; Paul he acknowledges only through acquaintance. On the other hand, and speaking to all seven of these sons of Sceva, he next says, “and you – who are you?”
 
It is a demeaning, even belittling, way of addressing them. First, the sense is, “So what if you use their names (meaning Jesus and Paul in the previous verse). What about you?” The word “you” is plural. The repetition of the address is given as emphasis. In these words, the first “you” speaks of the sons as identifiable entities. The second “you” refers to their existence. Hence, we can paraphrase it as “And you seven guys, who are you all?”
 
One can imagine that this was done with a hint of sarcasm in the voice as he spoke. He is aware of the names they are expressing, but he is completely unaware and uncaring about who they are as supposed exorcists. This will be communicated in more than words in the verse to come.
 
Life application: There is no reason to not assume, and every reason to accept, that evil spirits dwell in people today. Just looking around at the people of the world would lead one to think that not only do demons possess people, but that they are doing so in ever greater numbers. This would be because people have opened themselves up to demonic influences through a rejection of what is morally right and good and a complete acceptance of wickedness and perversion.
 
Their being indwelt probably shouldn’t be questioned. But what to do about it is what should be considered. Apostolic authority does not exist today. Jesus has ascended and will return at the appropriate time. He has not personally commissioned anyone since the apostle Paul. Paul even acknowledges this, saying, “Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8). The “last of all” means that Paul was the last to see Him, and seeing Him is a requirement for being given apostolic authority.
 
Understanding this, and because the Bible does not provide any prescriptive guidance about how to deal with people possessed by demons, it can be known that we are not given any special authority to do what Jesus and the apostles did. And yet, we have a commission to share the gospel. Therefore, if a person is possessed by a demon, and if that person accepts the gospel, then it must be that this is the way by which God has determined that demons are to be removed from people.
 
The only other logical assumption would be that there was no way to drive out demons in some people. But that would be contrary to multiple verses in Scripture which indicate that God desires all to be saved. Therefore, it is our responsibility to share the gospel. It is God’s responsibility to deal with the demon of someone who accepts the gospel.
 
Don’t be duped by people who claim they have a special ability to cast out demons beyond this. They have gone beyond Scripture and are claiming an authority the Bible does not provide. Ignore such people, lest you get caught up in their ridiculous doctrines and pulled away from what is granted to us in Scripture.
 
You are so great, O God. You have given us the gospel to share with the world, and it is an incredible authority we possess. We can tell others about how to be saved. In accepting this, those who respond will be freed from any evil that fills their soul. They will be sealed with Your Spirit and will have a new and heavenly hope. It is a great message that possesses power and authority to redirect lives. May we share it often! Amen.