Did you look after your school books well? Were you able to sell the ones you had finished with each year? Books can often be passed on, or sold to others. Many would have been glad to buy the books we hear about in this story, but nobody got them!
Witchcraft was very popular in Ephesus. Many expensive books on the subject were available there. But one day seven experts in witchcraft got themselves into serious difficulties with their “magic”. Their attempt to exorcise evil spirits from a man went very wrong! (Acts 19:13-16.)
Now the people “were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honour.” (verse 17.) You see, Paul had been clearly demonstrating a power that was greater than the power of evil. (Acts 19:11-12. 4:10-12) The great power of Jesus that is at work in and through those who trust in Jesus as their Saviour. (Romans 8:11. 1stJohn 4:4.)
People had discovered that witchcraft was not a healthy interest to have in life! It is something that God has forbidden and condemned, and should be avoided by all. (Deuteronomy 18:9-13.) It MUST be avoided by all who would love and obey God. (Revelation 9:20-21. 21:7-8.)
Some people in Ephesus repented, turning from their interest and their involvement with witchcraft. They turned in faith to Jesus, the only One who could deliver them. (Acts 26:18.)
“Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to 50,000 drachmas.” (1 Drachma approx. 1 day’s wages. Verses 18-19.)
Seeing those books about witchcraft, on fire there in public view raised many questions. For example, why had those new Christians not put those books they no longer wanted up for sale, instead of up in flames? They could have made a fortune!
The answer is that true Christians will not want to make money from evil, or from promoting evil! They will not want to sell, or even give away, those things from their past religious life that are offensive to God. Such things are only fit for the flames. (Philippians 3:7-9.)
Have you in your possession any books, or images, or pictures etc. that are offensive to God from your past life of disobedience? Make a clean start with God! Put to the flames anything that is displeasing to God, and that would be a hinderance to yourself or others.
But, remember, it is only by turning to Jesus Christ for forgiveness, and for power to live a new life pleasing to God by faith in Him, that you will be saved. You will then know His power to keep you from evil. (Ephesians 2:8-10.) “In this powerful way the word of the Lord spread and grew in power” around Asia. (verse 20.)
Read Acts chapter 19, verses 17-22.
For the next reading from Acts of the Apostles go to NEXT
In order to browse further "Good News Compage" prompts and commentaries for Acts of the Apostles go to
Acts COMPLETE index.
---------------oOo---------------