October 27, 2024 - Acts 19:11-20
October 27, 2024
Acts 19:11-20
Lessons Learned
by Wayne Gaeddert
1. Paul’s third missionary journey is recorded in Acts 18:23 – 21:17.
2. Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia.
3. Ephesus was known for its’ 50,000-seat amphitheater.
4. Paul may have faced beasts in the amphitheater. 1 Corinthians 15:32
5. Jesus’ letter to the church of Ephesus contains the rebuke: “You have left our first love. Revelation 2:4
6. The church at Ephesus was Timothy’s first pastorate. 1 Timothy 1:3
7. Ephesus was home to the temple of Artemis ‘Diana of the Ephesians.’ It was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
8. One of the underlying themes of Acts is the superior power of the Holy Spirit over demonic activity.
Acts 8:9-13 Simon the magician.
Acts 13:6-11 The magician Bar-Jesus.
Acts 16:16-18 The fortune-telling slave girl.
Acts 19:13-16 Seven sons of Sceva.
9. An exorcist is one who employs a formula of conjuration for expelling demons.
10. ‘I adjure thee’ is a phrase that implies authority to make commands.
11. A true high priest served in the temple at Jerusalem.
12. Assuming authority that you do not have will lead to humiliation and dishonor.
13. God’s power is greater than that of evil.
14. Destruction of the evil books of magic arts:
Removed evil influence from the home.
Prevented them from going back to the old ways.
Demonstrated their love and allegiance to Jesus.
Was a testimony to everyone in Ephesus of their commitment to Jesus.
Was a testimony to everyone in Ephesus that they had abandoned practicing magic arts.
15. The conclusion of verses 11-20 is that the word of the Lord continued to spread and proved to be more powerful than the opposing forces.
16. Application:
God works through people and circumstances to advance His kingdom.
Believers should destroy all evil influence from their life.
God’s power leads people to recognize His authority over all things.
God’s power can not be manipulated or abused by those who seek their own glory.