The Copycat Exorcism

Monday, November 21, 2011: Acts 19:11 – 12 (NKJV)                   What was unusual about Paul’s miracles?

Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.

What was unusual about Paul’s miracles? God used not just Paul but also handkerchiefs or aprons belonging to Paul to validate the message of salvation.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011: Acts 19:13 – 14 (NKJV)                   What did the Jewish exorcists’ try to do?

Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.

What did the Jewish exorcists’ try to do? The copycats tried to use the ‘formula.’ They were without faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and did not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011: Acts 19:15 – 16 (NKJV)                   What was the result for the copycats?

And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

What was the result for the copycat exorcists? The demon they were trying to exorcise showed the seven sons of Sceva what they lacked.

Thursday, November 24, 2011: Acts 19:17 – 18 (NKJV)                   What was the result of the attack?

This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.

What was the result of the attack? The story spread. It magnified the Name of the Lord. As a result, many believed and confessed that they were now believers.

Friday, November 25, 2011: Acts 19:19 – 20 (NKJV)                   What was a collateral result?

Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

What was a collateral result? Sorcerers who dabbled in evil spirits burned their books, recognizing their implication. In conclusion, miracles linked to Paul magnified God and validated Paul’s message.