Acts 19:8-20 - Homilies By R.a. Redford

(or Acts 19:20 ) .

Triumphs of the gospel at Ephesus.

Asiatic character of the superstitions prevalent Dark. degraded mysterious Amulets and charms. Magical words. Exorcism. Not merely among the lower classes, but throughout the city. A dead man said to have spoken from the funeral pile. A wrestler with magic scroll round his body always victorious. Magic an elaborate, abstruse, difficult science, contained in learned books, studied for many years. Notice, therefore—

I. THE PECULIAR GRACIOUSNESS of the miracles wrought at Ephesus, as speaking so loudly against the prevalent superstitions.

1. As showing forth a greater power than was dreamed of amongst men.

2. As connecting the working of signs with the messages of mercy. Paul disclaimed all power of his own, and simply invited faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. As rebuking and dishonoring the falsehoods and presumptions of those who were enslaving the people.

4. As revealing the benevolence and philanthropy of the gospel in distinction from the selfish and sordid practices of those who used sorcery for their own profit.

II. THE MARVELLOUS SPIRITUAL POWER PUT FORTH . The whole neighborhood ringing with the fame of the miracles and with the story of the gospel.

1. The special difficulty of effecting a change in such men. Their interests involved. Their pride wounded. Their ignorance and self-deception binding them fast.

2. The vastness of the change wrought. The burning of the books, their very means of livelihood. The value great—two thousand pounds stealing. The publicity of the act made it irrevocable.

3. The widespread influence of such a testimony, more than words, more than personal confession. It would preach the gospel to all Asia.

4. The beneficent effect on the future of the people in delivering them from the entanglement of magical superstitions, and so leaving them open to the preaching of the gospel. " Fear fell upon them all, and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified (of the similar event at Florence under the preaching of Savonarola).—R.