Monday Devo
Scripture:
Acts 19
11 God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12 When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.
13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
11 God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12 When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.
13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
Commentary:
19:11 God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul. As previously in Acts, miracles opened the door for hearing the gospel and gave confirmation that God himself was working through Paul and his message (cf. notes on 3:1–26; etc.).
19:12 handkerchiefs or aprons. These were not magical objects. Rather, the Holy Spirit was pleased to manifest his powerful presence so strongly through Paul that the Spirit’s presence sometimes remained evident in connection with objects that Paul had touched (cf. note on 5:15). As had happened at Samaria (8:9–13), Cyprus (13:6–11), and Philippi (16:16–18), the powerful forces of pagan magic (19:19) and religion connected to demonic activity (vv. 12, 15; cf. 1 Cor. 10:20; Eph. 6:12) were confronted by the far more powerful work of the Holy Spirit ministering through Paul.
19:13 itinerant Jewish exorcists. There are records of extensive ceremonies and spoken formulas that Jewish people in the first century used to try to free themselves from the influence of evil spirits, but it is unlikely that these were very effective, since the people were astounded when Jesus was able to cast out demons with “authority and power” (Luke 4:36).
19:15–16 Not only was the name of Jesus important in casting out evil spirits, but so was true faith in Jesus on the part of the one uttering his name. Here, a “reverse exorcism” occurred, with the demon driving out the exorcists. Their nudity enhanced their humiliation.
19:12 handkerchiefs or aprons. These were not magical objects. Rather, the Holy Spirit was pleased to manifest his powerful presence so strongly through Paul that the Spirit’s presence sometimes remained evident in connection with objects that Paul had touched (cf. note on 5:15). As had happened at Samaria (8:9–13), Cyprus (13:6–11), and Philippi (16:16–18), the powerful forces of pagan magic (19:19) and religion connected to demonic activity (vv. 12, 15; cf. 1 Cor. 10:20; Eph. 6:12) were confronted by the far more powerful work of the Holy Spirit ministering through Paul.
19:13 itinerant Jewish exorcists. There are records of extensive ceremonies and spoken formulas that Jewish people in the first century used to try to free themselves from the influence of evil spirits, but it is unlikely that these were very effective, since the people were astounded when Jesus was able to cast out demons with “authority and power” (Luke 4:36).
19:15–16 Not only was the name of Jesus important in casting out evil spirits, but so was true faith in Jesus on the part of the one uttering his name. Here, a “reverse exorcism” occurred, with the demon driving out the exorcists. Their nudity enhanced their humiliation.
Questions:
- In Acts 19, we see that Paul is doing even more miracles, even when he's not around! The power of God was so present with him that people that even touched his sweat band or apron would be healed. This is an example of Scripture that is DESCRIPTIVE, not PRESCRIPTIVE. Even today, certain TV evangelists will try to copy this method of healing, sending people a prayer cloth in exchange for a donation. This is NOT what these verses are trying to communicate. God doesn't always heal in the same ways. He does it in different ways and at different times and by different means. We should never take something we see in Scripture and try to turn it into a formula that we expect to produce results in our life, like some kind of magic spell. Have you ever been guilty of expecting God to work in your the same ways he has in the past? What are the dangers of this kind of expectation?
- But some unbelieving, Jewish exorcists tried to hijack this power in order to cast out a demon. Ephesus was a center for magic, sorcery and all kinds of witchcraft. These guys were trying to mix Judaism and sorcery while at the same time invoking the name of Jesus. But they were posers... had no relationship with Jesus, and yet they were attempting to use His name. Many people today do the same thing. Even those who consider themselves "Christians." The problem is, knowing WHO Jesus is without actually SUBMITTING to Him is exactly what satan does. How does that last sentence hit you? Do you know anyone that falls into this category? Have YOU in the past?
Prayer Topics:
- That we wouldn't treat moves of God like a formula to be emulated.
- That we would submit to Jesus and use His name fraudulently.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
4. Can a person be good enough to go to heaven? No. Because Jesus rose from the dead, proving He is God, I believe a person is saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
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