Mar 22, 2015
Acts 19:8-20


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http://zachadams.org/acts/acts19_8-20.mp3

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Outline:


Profile of Ephesus: Though the origins of this Hellenistic city date back as far as the 10th century BC, for our purposes we pick things up when Caesar Augustus made Ephesus the capital of Asia Minor after ascending to power in 27 BC. 


As a result of becoming both the seat of the Roman Governor and the center of commerce for the entire region Ephesus almost immediately entered an era of prosperity. According to Greek historian Strabo, Ephesus was “second in importance and size only to Rome.”


The city itself was famed for two archeological achievements: (1) Ephesus boast an open air theater capable of holding 25,000 spectators, and (2) Ephesus was the location of the famous Temple of Artemis (Diana in Roman mythology) - one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Recent archeological digs reveal this temple was an astounding 450 ft long, 225 ft wide, 60 ft high, with more than 127 columns supporting its ornate roof. 


Antipater of Sidon, who compiled the list of the Seven Wonders, describes the finished temple… “I have set eyes on the wall of lofty Babylon on which is a road for chariots, and the statue of Zeus by the Alpheus, and the hanging gardens, and the colossus of the Sun, and the huge labour of the high pyramids, and the vast tomb of Mausolus; but when I saw the house of Artemis that mounted to the clouds, those other marvels lost their brilliancy, and I said, "Lo, apart from Olympus, the Sun never looked on aught so grand”.”


Because Diana was the goddess of the hunt (having the power to talk to and control animals) and the virgin goddess of childbirth and women… And since Ephesus was the location of her temple… Beyond all else, Ephesus was a religious center for pagan worship. Aside from temple prostitution, the worship of Diana was steeped in mysticism and the occult.



That said… While Ephesus was as lost as you could be there was a remarkable openness to the message of the Gospel. Acts 19:8-10, “And Paul 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.”



As was his custom Paul begins his evangelistic outreach focusing on the local Jewish population in Ephesus by visiting “the synagogue.” Luke tells us “for three months” Paul would “reason and persuade” with the Jews “concerning the things of the Kingdom of God.” 


However, “when some were hardened and did not believe… (literally “refused to believe”) but spoke evil of the Way (a direct reference to Christianity) Paul departed (left the synagogue)… withdrew the disciples” (those interested in being taught)… and set up shop “in the school of Tyrannus” (”the tyrant”) where he “continued for two years.”


According to non-Biblical Greek manuscripts dating back to this time-period a typical work day looked much different in Ephesus than ours. Because of the high heat and humidity most people (including students) would break from work between 11 AM and 4 PM. It would appear Paul was able to rent out space at this school during this 5 hour break. 


Our text is clear that Paul “reasoned daily!” Imagine… Paul taught six days a week, five hours a day, for two years which would have totaled 3120 hours of teaching time. 


Beyond this, as we’re about to see, Paul was also supporting himself as a tent-maker. Paul would work - go teach for 5 hours - then go back to work before doing it all over again. Note: They say every hour of public speaking is the equivalent of eight hours of manual labor. 


And yet, not only would this dynamic require incredible investment by Paul, the students who attended would have exerted the same amount of energy. The Ephesian church gathered faithfully six days a week for a five hour service of heavy teaching! Is there any wonder this resulted “in all Asia hearing the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.”



Acts 19:11-12, “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.” 



Before we get to the particulars of what’s happening in our text keep in mind Luke sets the context by letting us know that during this season of ministry in Ephesus “God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul.” It should be pointed out that while all miracles are by definition “unusual” what’s taking place though Paul was unusually “unusual!”


Aside from the miracles preformed directly “by the hands of Paul” we’re also told “handkerchiefs (“sweat bands”) or aprons brought from his body” were used in miraculous ways… Specifically healing people of “diseases” and the exorcising of “evil spirits.” 


The text seems to imply this was all taking place independent of Paul’s direct involvement. Because people had come to recognize a supernatural power working through Paul, when he would leave work people would steal his sweat bands and bring them “to the sick.” 


What’s amazing about this passage is that Luke (a doctor himself) informs us that even without Paul’s involvement the power of God would still manifest through their superstition. 


Why did God allow this to happen? I think (especially in a culture steeped in the occult and mysticism) God wanted to make sure there was no mistaking the origin of power was not Paul, but Jesus in whom Paul preached. The purpose was to refocus their attention off of the conduit of healing and onto the source - Jesus! If God can use the likes of you and I to be His conduit of healing, it’s entirely possible He can use an old rag.


Before we move on have you ever heard of the “Green Prosperity Prayer Handkerchief?” Apparently this is “a cloth” that initiates “miracles of healing and prosperity” because the Apostle “Don Stewart has personally prayed over, blessed, and anointed” the handkerchief. 


Sadly, on his website Don Stewart specifically points to this passage as being his Biblical justification to peddle heresy and take advantage of the sick and poor. Contrary to what Stewart claims, Paul was not sending out his “handkerchiefs” - people were stealing them. 



Acts 19:13-16, “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.” 



In the midst of this unique season of ministry we’re told “some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus.” Particularly, these seven men, “sons of a Jewish priest” named “Sceva” were traveling exorcists who, recognizing the obvious supernatural ministry of Paul, decide to piggyback on his tradecraft.


Set the Scene: These seven men go into a home in the attempts of exorcising a demon in a way they’ve never tried before. “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 


In response “the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?’” Then to make matters worse the demon not only refuses to leave his host, but “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.”


Look again at the demons response to these men invoking the names of Jesus and Paul:


“Jesus I know…” The Greek word “ginôskô” means “to know by experience.”


“Paul I know…” The Greek word “epistamai” means “to know by reason of proximity.” 


The passage could literally be translated, “Jesus… I’ve dealt with Him for some time. Paul… I’ve heard about the things he’s been doing. But I have no idea who you are!”


First Observation: To be used by God is to be known by the devil! Paul was being used by God in such incredible ways in the city of Ephesus that his reputation was even spreading among the community of demons. Understand… When you’re making an impact that rings out in the halls of heaven you’re also garnering attention in the courts of hell.


Second Observation: There is a real different between knowing of Jesus and knowing Jesus! These men found out the hard way that supernatural power is not found in religion (claiming the name), but a relationship with Jesus (claiming the man)!


Third Observation: The devil is not afraid of mortal men. No man can stand against the devil; and yet, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) 


In writing to this Ephesian church Paul would say, (Ephesians 6:12-13) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”



Acts 19:17-20, “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.



“This became known to all…” What became known? It would appear it was more than just the reality the seven sons of Sceva had gotten dropkicked by a demon-possessed man. What seemed to spread throughout “all the Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus” was the reality even demons knew of Paul and this man Jesus in whom he was preaching!


5 Immediate Responses:


1. “Fear fell on them all…” This was more than “respect” the Greek word “phobos” from which we get our English word “phobia” means “that which strikes terror.” Understand… A real moving of God’s Word will either yield faith in the receiver or fear in the rejector!


2. “The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified…” This word “magnified” or “megalynô” means “to make great or esteem highly.” Whether you were a believer or an unbeliever everyone in Ephesus knew of and respected the “name of the Lord Jesus.” I hope you understand there is power in “the name” even if you’re an unbeliever! 


3. “Many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and burned them…” Ok I’ll admit on the surface this makes even me a bit uneasy. Historically, book-burnings don’t exactly conjure up positive connotations; and yet, please understand what’s taking place in Ephesus was quite a bit different on many significant levels. 


First, this was not the silencing of ideas, but the eliminating of the demonic. We know through extra-Biblical sources that because the occult was so prevalent in Ephesus there was a top selling book known as the “Book of the Ephesian Spells.” 


It would seem that in light of Paul’s ministry and the power demonstrated in Jesus, “those who practiced magic” saw this book for what it was… A dangerous pathway into the occult. Note: Luke tells us “they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.” It’s been estimated that since one piece of silver was the equivalent of a days wage, 50,000 pieces would have been worth up to $4.5 million in today’s market.


Second, this was not mandated by anyone and was instead a voluntary expression. The book-burning was not initiated or organized by Paul, but occurred organically. For “those who practiced magic” this was repentance in action. Keep in mind… Burning is an act of completion. For these folks burning this particular book was their way of turning from their past life in such a way they could never return! 


Sadly, one of the reasons many believers fall away is that they leave to many doors open to the former life when they first come to Christ. They ease into the Christian experience as opposed to diving in headfirst. They dabble in as opposed to fully committing. 


So inevitably when their new life in Christ hits the first snag it’s all to easy to slip right back into the former way of doing things. In his famous book “The Screwtape Letters” C.S. Lewis, writing as an elder demon giving advice to his young protege, wrote, “Humans are amphibians… Half spirit and half animal… As spirits they belong to the eternal world, but as animals they inhabit time. This means that while their spirit can be directed to an eternal object, their bodies, passions, and imaginations are in continual change, for to be in time, means to change. Their nearest approach to constancy, therefore, is undulation - the repeated return to a level from which they repeatedly fall back, a series of troughs and peaks.” 


Because it’s so easy for our flesh to “fall back” into old patterns, it’s often wise that we burn bridges to eliminate the very option of retreat! Sun Tzu’s book The Art of War, explains the logic behind the decisions of history’s great­est conquerors to burn their boats at the risk of being killed in enemy hands (Cortes in Mexico, Alexander the Great in Persia). “It was simply to eradicate any notion of retreat from the minds of their troops and commit themselves unwaveringly to the cause - Victory. Defeat wasn’t an option at all.”


Please consider this morning what bridges you might be keeping open to the past life, because they might very well serve to facilitate your undoing!


4. “Many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds…” This phrase would be better translated as “many that believed came…” It would seem this incredible demonstration of the power of God spawned even Christians to a renewed seriousness concerning their faith. What was happening though Paul upped the ante. 


How did they get serious? They “came confessing and telling their deeds!”


Let me take a moment and explain what confession, in the life of the believer, is in order to contrast what it is not. In 1 John 1:9 we're told that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” While it’s true confession in the life of the unbeliever is an essential component of repentance, most misunderstand what John is saying in his exhortation to confess sins. 


In the Greek the word “confess” literally means “to say the same as.” To this point David Guzik correctly observes that “when we confess our sin, we are willing to say (and believe) the same thing about our sin that God says about it.”


With this in mind… The purpose of confession is not to inform God of my sin, but rather to remind myself of Christ’s atonement! Sure confession helps me acknowledge my struggle with the flesh, but more importantly it serves to refocus my attention on the source of my victory - not myself, but rather Jesus’ work on the cross. 


Confession helps me see my sin the way God does - paid for by the blood of Christ, and it helps me see myself the way God does - justified and righteous by my faith in Jesus.


As the Catholic Church teaches confession is not about “obtaining the forgiveness of God” for when I place my faith in Jesus and His work for me on the cross I am permanently forgiven by God specifically because the debt for my sin required by God has been permanently satisfied. This further explains why the Bible informs the believer that not only is our sin (past, present, and future) forgiven, but our sin is also forgotten. 


Confessing sin is important in the life of the believer because it helps a Christian avoid the natural condemnation that easily surfaces when I inevitably “fall short of the glory of God.” 


In the moment of failure confession allows a person to remember that “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” Literally, confession reminds me that “God is presently being faithful and just to forgive in light of Jesus.” Forgiveness of sins paid for by Jesus is a enduring work, not a temporary one!


In James 5:16 Christians are exhorted to “confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Note: James is not saying healing is found when we confess our sins to one another, but that by confessing sins to someone else we allow that person the opportunity to remind us of our lasting source of healing… 


Romans 8:1-3, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus… For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son…”


I’d like to point out this is why we close our service every Sunday by providing you a chance to come forward, confess your sins to one of our elders, and take communion. Understand, our elders are not here to lay a guilt trip upon you, give you a way to attain penitence, or forgive you… They’re here to remind you as to the real source of healing by pointing you to the broken body and spilt blood of Jesus! You’re already forgiven!


5. “So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.” Note: This word “so” implies more than if Luke had simply used “and” - The idea is that “the prevailing of the word of the Lord” was directly attributed to the things that came before it. 


In Ephesus we see what can only be described as a “Radical Revival.” The entire city was being effected by this church as well as the surrounding region! In closing, I want to point out what it was specifically about this Ephesian church that initiated such an impact!


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