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Acts 19:11-22 no other name

“11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. 17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 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 fifty thousand drachmas.[a] 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. 21 After all this had happened, Paul decided[b] to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” 22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer”. NIV

It is a fact that when God is powerfully at work, you can expect the devil to turn up in the same neighbourhood, causing mischief. ‘Revivals’ have often been accompanied by works of the flesh and manifestations of the demonic. At such a time, great discernment is needed. Counterfeits may be expected.The enemy loves to ‘piggy-back’ onto a move of God. ‘The devil is a great imitator, but in this case, his attempt was a humiliating failure.’ Warren W. Wiersbe: ‘With the Word’, p.721.
Christianity is not about nice, neat, polite church services. It involves frighteningly great power at work: ‘’God did extraordinary miracles through Paul…’ (11). However, in the wake of this, there were problems to be faced (13-15). The demons turned up to the party, uninvited.
Nevertheless, what the devil meant for harm, God used for good (17-20). Someone once observed that fighting God (or attempting to) is like playing chess against a grand master. He will even use your moves against Him to defeat you.
(By the way, ‘’Fifty thousand drachmas’’ was a huge amount, and shows how deeply enmeshed in occult practices the Ephesians were. The drachma was a silver coin representing the average wage for a day. As someone pointed out, this represents over 135 years’ wages.)
I find the words attributed to an ‘’evil spirit’’ (15) to be quite remarkable: ‘’Jesus I know…’’ He could also say that he knew ‘’about’’ Paul, but Jesus he knew.
‘Jesus the Name high over all, in hell or earth or sky;
Angels and men before it fall, and devils fear and fly.’
‘’You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder’’ (James 2:19).
There is a major emphasis in this passage on the Name of Jesus and its superiority over every other name; its power over every other authority.
‘’…there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved’’ (4:12b).
PRAYER: Lord, I pray that your Name will be ‘held in high honour’ in my community.

Acts 19:1-12: God’s timing.

“While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples ² and asked them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’         They answered, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’  ³ So Paul asked, ‘Then what baptism did you receive?’  ‘John’s baptism,’ they replied.  ⁴ Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’ ⁵ On hearing this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues^[b] and prophesied. ⁷ There were about twelve men in all.  ⁸ Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. ⁹ But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. ¹⁰ This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.  ¹¹ God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, ¹² so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to those who were ill, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” NIV UK

Previously, Paul and his companions had found the door into Asia ‘closed’. Now it was wide open (10), and the apostle had the most remarkable success there, as he based himself in the strategic city of Ephesus.

However, success in God’s work is not divorced from hard work. The only place where laziness comes before success is in the dictionary! It is likely that Tyrannus taught only in the mornings, since the custom in Ephesus was to have a siesta during the hot afternoons. Paul probably made tents in the mornings, to earn his living, and taught in the afternoons, rather than sleeping. During this time the churches in Colossae and Laodicea were also founded (Colossians 2:1; 4:13). It’s been suggested that all seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation may have been founded at this time.

‘It was wise on Paul’s part to remove the disciples and his work to their own premises, which soon became famous throughout the city and indeed throughout the adjacent country. People who had come in to worship at the shrine of Diana gave themselves to Christ, and the Christian faith became disseminated through the province, Ephesus itself being mightily moved.’ F.B. Meyer: ‘Devotional Commentary’, pp.495/496.

It’s possible to feel frustrated and perplexed when certain things don’t work out – I mean those times when you strongly sense that God wants you to do something, but you find your road mysteriously blocked. Recognise that God’s delays are not necessarily His denials, and if you want to walk in His will, you must also be prepared to move in His timing. You will not be disappointed, and hindsight will likely show you how right it was to wait.

PRAYER: Lord you know I’m keen to serve you. There is so much I want to do. Please grant me the patience that waits for you. I acknowledge that your will is best; your timing is perfect.

Acts 18:23-28: The influence of mentors.

^“23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and travelled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. ²⁴ Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. ²⁵ He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervour and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. ²⁶ He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.  ²⁷ When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. ²⁸ For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” NIV UK

Rob Parsons told a story about a man he knew when he was growing up. This man was part of the same church as Rob. As I recall, he wasn’t someone in the ‘spotlight’; was not a preacher. Yet every week he had Rob round to his house; they played table tennis, ate fish and chips out of newspaper, and he taught Rob the Bible as best he could. In later years, Rob could say to him, ‘Today. I am speaking regularly in large venues, and in the main, it’s down to you!’

This also triggers a memory of a couple I knew at ‘Bridge Street’ church in Leeds. They had no children of their own. John did not have a high profile role in the church. Yet week by week they invited a group of young men back to their small flat, overlooking the Leeds ring road. Hilda plied them with food, and John led them in Bible Study. Both of them showered these boys with loving-kindness. I feel moved as I remember them this morning and think about the Kingdom work they did in their home. God used them to produce a crop of leaders and preachers. They were highly influential, and what a reward must be their’s in heaven. John and Hilda Topham: you were not well-known on earth, but you left behind an enviable legacy, and I, for one,honour your memory!

Memories of Rob’s story, and the mentoring ministry of John and Hilda, surfaced this morning as I read about what Apollos went on to do after Priscilla and Aquila got their hands on him (27, 28). When they saw the giftedness of Apollos, but realised he was not yet the finished article, they didn’t criticise him publicly, or talk about him behind his back. They took him home and helped him there (24-26). Because of their private influence he went on to become a public force.

Many years ago I wrote a magazine article. I was young and a bit naïve at the time. I wanted to be creative, but it wasn’t my finest hour with the pen!!! I realise now that I wrote unwisely (although the editor of the then ‘Elim Evangel’ published it.) A lady from the church where I was a pastor – a godly woman for whom I had the utmost respect – seeing this piece, thought to herself initially, ‘We have a modernist in our pulpit.’ Yet she didn’t really believe it. So she decided, after much prayer I’m sure, to invite her young pastor for breakfast. She gave him one of the very best breakfasts he can remember, and talked to him kindly about her concerns. That lady had style! That’s the way to do it. She acted in the spirit of Priscilla and Aquila to help someone who was in danger of becoming skewed – all with the best of intentions. However, he probably did need a slight nudge to realign his course; a minor re-adjustment. That dear lady delivered it with deftness of touch

How might you use your home, and who can you serve?

Acts 18: 19-22: If it is God’s will.

^“19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. ²⁰ When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. ²¹ But as he left, he promised, ‘I will come back if it is God’s will.’ Then he set sail from Ephesus. ²² When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.” NIV UK

I heard someone say recently, on a TV documentary type programme, that if an opportunity comes your way, then ‘carpe diem’ – ‘seize the day’. I admit there does seem to be a logic and a certain homespun wisdom about that remark. However, today’s passage raises questions about it.

A few years ago, a major opportunity came my way. At least, that’s how it appeared. Whereas I had resisted all invitations to move from what I was doing up to that point, this one felt different. I had a sense that it might be the will of God, and there seemed to be important pointers in that direction. However, after weeks of prayer (and fasting) I recognised that this was not for me. Subsequent events in my life tended to confirm this.

‘’I will come back if it is God’s will’’ (21).

A big opportunity is not necessarily your opportunity. So seek to always know and do the will of God.

Acts 18:19a: Bless this house.

^“19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.” NIV UK

This is a short reading, I know, and it may appear to contain a tiny detail. However, if you look at 1 Corinthians 16:19, you will discover that not only did Priscilla and Aquila stay in Ephesus, but also the church met in their home. Maybe they were successful in business and had a home large enough for a group to gather in. As we consider the importance of church planting in our day – and it is a bit of a hot topic at the moment – let’s not too easily dismiss the possibility of using our homes. What made the early Christians successful was not where they met, but Who was animating them; Who lived within and among them and was driving them forward in strategic mission. Later on, this couple returned to Rome (Romans 16:3-5), and just like in Ephesus, the church met in their house.

‘’Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work…A cord of three strands is not quickly broken’’ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

God ordained the marriage between a man and a woman. He blessed it. It is good. Where two live together in a Christ-centred marriage, there you have a ‘’cord of three strands’’ and it will not be ‘’quickly broken.’’ Priscilla and Aquila were a team, and what they had was devoted to the Lord and His service. The fact that the church met in their home (and possibly every day if the early pattern continued: Acts 2:46) tells you plenty about their level of commitment.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for a roof over my head. I recognise that many people in the world don’t have decent shelter, and I’m so grateful for my blessings. Help me not to just use it, though, for my own comfort and pleasure. It isn’t mine; it is yours. So please show me how I can devote this lovely home to your service

 Acts 18:18: The real deal.

^“18 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.”NIV UK

A Christian girl and boy were on a first date. They talked much and listened much. There was so much to say. At some point, over the meal, he must have made a self-deprecating remark. She shot back, ‘But you’re for real.’ He says he treasures that simple statement even today. He remembers the moment and it goes on blessing him. He knew she wasn’t saying, ‘You’re perfect.’ Yet she sensed something genuine about him, and it meant a lot.

How serious are you about your Christianity? Are you for real? Or do you hang up your faith with your clothes after Sunday morning church? Reading about Paul’s ‘’vow’’ brought me to the thought that Paul was a man with a serious commitment to God. This vow may have been to thank God for His goodness to Paul during his long stay in Corinth. It probably involved growing his hair for the duration of the vow period. Then at the end of that time, his hair would be cut off and offered to God (see Numbers 6). This may seem strange to us, but don’t miss the core detail. God was real to Paul and his commitment to Him was a serious matter. He was authentic.

Does anyone reading these words need to stop playing games?

Get real!

Acts 18:9-18a: Assured and protected.

^“9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. ¹⁰ For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’ ¹¹ So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.  ¹² While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. ¹³ ‘This man,’ they charged, ‘is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.’  ¹⁴ Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, ‘If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanour or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. ¹⁵ But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law – settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.’ ¹⁶ So he drove them off. ¹⁷ Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever.      ¹⁸ Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.” NIV UK

God has His ways of preparing His people for things that lie ahead. He has the means to comfort and reassure them amidst difficulty. Some may think that what what happens in (12-17) is a contradiction of the promise made in (9,10). Not so. The Lord said to Paul ‘’no one is going to attack and harm you’’ (10). It’s important to take into consideration the ‘’and harm you.’’ Paul was attacked (12), but he was not harmed. Gallio was God’s instrument to protect Paul at this time. He wanted nothing to do with the case (15, 16). However, don’t fail to note the irony that Gallio was evidently a heartless sort (17b). How callous some people can be. Yet, in God’s Hands, this man was Paul’s friend.

‘…because of this major decision of Gallio, the Christians were able for the next twelve years to legally preach and spread the Gospel of Christ all over the Roman Empire. At the end of that time, however, a new emperor, Nero, outlawed the Christian religion and began to cruelly persecute believers throughout the Empire.’ Tom Hale: ‘The Applied New Testament Commentary’, p.490.

No doubt the longevity of Paul’s ministry in Corinth (18a) was linked to the promise of God (9, 10, 11). I can believe that the thought that the Lord had ‘’many people’’ (10) in Corinth was more precious to Paul even than the promise of protection. Learn to stand on God’s Word, and it (more importantly, He) will strengthen you to endure.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord that whatever people may say or do, I am in your hands. I am safe within your sovereignty. Help me please to feel my safety. I too need your tender reassurance.

Acts 18:7-8: The cloud lifts.

^“7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshipper of God. ⁸ Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptised.”

God brings good out of bad. He rules and He overrules: ‘’And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’’ (Romans 8:28).How did Paul ‘’know’’ that? Well, surely experience was one of his best teachers? Here, in Corinth, it was not pleasant that ‘’the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive’’ (6), but God had a higher purpose. He turned it all for good.

When things didn’t work out in the synagogue, Paul ‘’went next door’’ where a gospel harvest took place (7,8). Although this did not signal a massive change of direction, it was a new departure. Apparent failure became the springboard to great success.

Don’t fear to follow ‘’the cloud’’ – and don’t fail to follow it – whenever it lifts (Exodus 40:36-38). When the Lord shows it’s time to move, maybe by force of circumstances, don’t hesitate to follow Him. Good things are to be had ‘’next door.’’

PRAYER: Lord, your guidance is such a real thing. Help me to stay in touch with your plans for my life

Acts 18:4-6: Who’s responsible?

^“3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. ⁴ Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. ⁵ When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. ⁶ But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.’” NIV UK

This short passage shows that Paul varied his method of working, and was quite willing to be ‘bi-vocational’ where necessary, working with his own hands to supply his needs (see also 1 Thessalonians 1:9).  Paul’s words here, and his dramatic actions (see Matthew 10:14, 15) show that he felt a clear responsibility to preach the gospel to the Jews – which he did, with energy (4,5). However, once they demonstrated that they did not want this gospel, Paul accepted the responsibility was on their own heads. He felt free to move on to other fields.                                                                                                                                        ‘As long as there are millions destitute of the Word of God and knowledge of Jesus Christ, it will be impossible for me to devote time and energy to those who have both.’ J.L. Ewen. I believe the apostle Paul would agree with that sentiment.

The church has a definite responsibility to tell the world about Jesus;

The world has a clear responsibility to repent and believe in response.

Let’s not confuse those responsibilities. We have a duty (and privilege) to go and tell. Beyond that, we can’t make anyone believe.

However, it is a terrible thing; a grave thing to reject Jesus. Let no-one be in doubt about this. Today’s reading gives us no cause to think otherwise.