Acts 19 & The Miracles of Paul

It’s pretty amazing to think on the miracles God enabled Paul to preform. But, then again, Paul’s transformation from the life he once lived was a miracle in itself. I am sure Paul was honored to serve our great Lord, as would we be. Our God is an amazing God!

Acts 19 & The Miracles of Paul:

One of the enticing chapters in Acts is chapter 19. Thinking of all that Paul was enabled to do, verse 11 tells us God even allowed him special privileges or miracles. His hands had the power to heal the sick, remove diseases from people, and rid them of evil spirits as well.

“And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.” Acts 19:11-12

Although the emphasis on this chapter when teaching Sunday school classes has been about idol worshiping, healing, dangers of false preachers, and finding strength in God to do right. I cannot help but see the value of Paul being entrusted to heal people, ridding diseases, all while casting out evil spirits. And the VALUE OF ONE. All wonderful and great lessons too.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

But this chapter 19 of Acts also showed the value of fear. So many times we see and hear the statement, “Have faith, not fear.” It is true, that fear that is not of God, but man or Satan, is treacherous. BUT, Godly fear is not a bad thing. In fact it states:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

Or also:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

Isn’t it interesting that the individuals in Acts 19 had fear. Their fear was obtained when? Verse 17 states it was after the even of the seven brothers. As Paul was ministering unto the people in obedience in Christ, he meets these 7 brothers trying to do the same. They are trying to cast an evil spirit out of a man, and the evil spirit leaped on the brothers. This situation started as a disaster and a work with perhaps good intentions, but is now a bit of a mess. What is interesting is they knew it was Jesus that cast them out of whom Paul preached (verse 13) AND the evil spirit’s reply was:

“And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?” Acts 19:15

The Value of One

These Jewish boys, the sons of a chief Jewish Priest, were trying to mimic Paul and they were left wounded and naked. (verse 16) Everyone in Ephesus (Jews and Greeks) knew about it, and it caused fear to fall on them all. God’s name was magnified. This fear resulted in many believing on the name of Jesus and taking action. In a nutshell, when they turned over their idols and burned their books before everyone, God’s word grew within that land. Timothy and Erastus went ahead to Macedonia while he stayed in Asia.

While there in Asia, the anger of the silversmith festers. As you know from your reading, he collects others to fight this fight with him. As Asia begins to set aside their idols, the silversmiths are loosing their income and afraid of their craft being in danger. We see in these verses, the reaction was much different. Fear and/or selfishness took hold and caused wrath. This wrath caused them to worship Diana and filled the entire city with confusion. The lack of trust that God could create something better and/or the lack of desire to want to give up their idol worshiping completely, has lead to many being confused. All this from one silversmith.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16

We know the ending here. They gather in the theater, Paul’s friend intercedes. Paul is safe. Alexander is sent in as the voice of reasoning and more of a “peace maker”. And once the uproar starts to settle and the danger subsides, He dismisses everyone. Everyone goes home and Paul embraces his friends and the disciples. Then, he heads to Macedonia.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Not only is fear a big lesson in this chapter, but so is the value of one. One person can be used greatly of God, but one person can also cause a lot of damage and confusion too. Our beliefs, motives and actions influence others around us. We already know this from a day to day aspect. However, what about from a spiritual aspect? Influencing people in the wrong spiritual direction, can cause eternal damage. Even with good intentions, we can give bad spiritual advice if our motives, beliefs and actions are wrong. How do we help prevent this? God back to God’s word. It is truth, it is absolute, it is consistent.

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Why do you think there is such an attack and millions of different versions? Because if the truth does NOT have a consistent foundation, neither does anything spiritual that it guides. God has preserved HIS word for a reason. And changing it is man’s way. God warns us of the dangers of changing HIS word, but do we really grasp the eternal dangers?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16

And a sure fire way to kindle God’s anger.

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

As we meditate on Acts 19, let us not forget the value and importance of influence, Godly influence. A righteous stance can and will impact someones life or even a continent like Paul. God uses whom HE desires, when HE chooses because HE is God! Let us never forget that. Each person you meet from day to day, God is entrusting you to influence. It might be for a brief moment. A friendly smile. A tract of truth and seed. Or a weekly teacher that is under the watchful eye. Your influence will have a ripple affect. Is it with kindness, truth, love and healing. Or with good intentions, but no power. Or like the silversmith, just powered by selfish motives?

If you are a faithful servant of the LORD, thank you! Keep your beautiful influence going, even if it hurts! There is a special loving strength God has for you, he sees you pour in to people. Sometimes years, all to be used, worn tired, ignored or even hurt. God sees my friend. May you find comfort and strength in HIM today!

If you are a supported of your ministry workers reading this, send a kind text to your preacher’s wife. Mail a cute card, bake her a plate of cookies, say THANK YOU! God can use you in a unique way. Blessing and taking care of your ministry workers, only encourages them and allows them to pour even more into the people of which they minister too.

Happy Ministry, Happy Monday! May you find an extra blessing of encouragement this week!

P.S. But, I am knew here, how do you know Heaven is real? How do I know for sure Heaven is my eternal home? –> READ MORE of Travel Down the Roman’s Road or Let Us Travel

P.S. I know I am saved, but I want to live my life on purpose, how do I start that? How do I begin to walk with God? What might that look like if I added that to my day? What would help? Check out Girl Talk!