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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 19:8-20

(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 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 19:18-19

Signs of religious sincerity. The incidents narrated in these verses suggest the subject of the demands which men feel that a Christian profession makes upon their practical life and conduct. It appears that these disciples at Ephesus had been converted for some time before they made these sacrifices; but presently the relation of the Christian truth to their magical and superstitious sentiments was fully recognized, and they were impelled to destroy the books which had been associated... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 19:18-20

The sign of sincerity. We are reminded by the text— I. THAT WHEN WE ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST WE YIELD OURSELVES TO HIM . To exercise a living faith in him is to take everything from him and to give everything to him; therefore to give ourselves to him and to his service. It is to recognize and respond to his supreme claims on heart and life. II. THAT TO GIVE OURSELVES TO CHRIST MEANS TO ABANDON ALL THAT IS HATEFUL TO HIM . HOW can... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 19:18-20

Practical evidence of genuine repentance. The evidence which" many of them that believed" now came and gave, of the vitality of their faith and the reality of their repentance, was conclusive. And the very thought of it is refreshing as we read it. Here follow four grand evidences of a genuine "faith in Jesus" and "repentance from dead works." I. TO COME VOLUNTARILY AND CONFESS . II. TO DISCLOSE , AND TO DISCLOSE VOLUNTARILY , UNDER NO PRESSURE OF ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 19:19

And not a few for many … also, A.V.; that practice d for which used A.V.; in the sight of all for before all men, A.V. That practiced curious arts ( τῶν τὰ περίεργα πραξάντων ) . The adjective περίεργος applied to persons means "a busybody" ( 1 Timothy 5:13 ), one who does what it is not his business to do, and pries into matters with which he has no concern; applied to things, it means that which it is not anybody's business to attend to, that which is vain and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 19:20

The Lord for God, A.V. If the R.T. has the true order of the words, they must be construed, To such an extent, according to the might of the Lord, did the word grow and prevail, after the analogy of Ephesians 1:19 . κατὰ κράτος , however, taken by itself, is quite usual, like κατὰ μικρόν καθ ὑπερβολήν , etc. (Alford), and is rightly rendered "mightily." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 19:20

The prevailing power of the Word. "So mightily grew the Word of the Lord and prevailed." Compare other Scripture figures; e.g. "His Word runneth very swiftly "( Psalms 147:15 ). "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified" ( 2 Thessalonians 3:1 ). I. THE GROWING POWER OF GOD 'S WORD . Reference is to the gospel message—the tidings brought to men concerning Jesus Christ; the message brought by Jesus Christ, the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 19:19

Curious arts - Arts or practices requiring skill, address, cunning. The word used here (περίεργα perierga) denotes properly “those things that require care or skill,” and was thus applied to the arts of “magic, jugglery, and sleight of hand” that were practiced so extensively in Eastern countries. That such arts were practiced at Ephesus is well known. The Ephesian letters, by which incantations and charms were supposed to be produced, were much celebrated. They seem to have consisted of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 19:20

So mightily grew the word of God - So powerfully. It had such efficacy and power in this wicked city. That power must have been mighty which would thus make them willing not only to cease to practice imposition, but to give up all hopes of future gains, and to destroy their property. On this instructive narrative we may remark:(1) That religion has power to break the hold of sinners on unjust and dishonest means of living.(2) That those who have been engaged in an unchristian and dishonorable... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 19:17-20

Acts 19:17-20. And this Acknowledgment of the divine authority of Jesus and Paul, made in the absence of both; or this fact, concerning the possessed man, thus prevailing against the sons of Sceva; was known to all the Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus And became, doubtless, the common subject of conversation; and fear fell on them all For in this instance they saw a striking proof of the malice of the devil, whom they served, and of the power of Christ, whom they opposed; and both... read more

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