Atos 19
R.C.H. Lenski · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 19
Lenski explains "This was not, in our newspaper parlance, a mere "news story" that was soon to be forgotten for another. It gripped the Ephesians very seriously, for they were all given to superstition and magical practices. They all felt directly involved. A glare of light fell on the whole subject, and not because of the dramatic failure of these exorcists, but because the name "Jesus" was involved as having brought on that failure. Here was a new power that operated with stunning effect even against all powers of superstition. In this connection we must not forget the miracles wrought by Paul himself, nor the effort of these exorcists to duplicate them. It was thus that something akin to holy fear fell on all. And Luke at once adds that "the name of the Lord Jesus began to be magnified." The wonder of that name passed from lip to lip. Paul used that name, and the demons were expelled; the exorcists used it, and were themselves crushed. What was back of that name?" (The Interpretation of The Acts of the Apostles.) Fell upon (1968)(epipipto from epi = upon + pipto = fall) means literally to fall upon (someone) or to press against (Mk 3:10) and is used both literally and figuratively.Luke uses ekpipto figuratively three times to describe the Holy Spirit coming down upon or "falling upon" someone (Acts 8:16, 10.44, 11:15). Luke also used epipito to describe fear falling upon Zacharias who "was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him." (Lk 1:12+) So just as godly Zacharias was "gripped" by fear of the supernatural, so too the residents of Ephesus were gripped by fear at the supernatural phenomena they had witnessed and heard about. Fear (reverence, awe) (5401)(phobos) is used in an active sense to describe that which causes fear or terror, in this case the source being God (Jesus) and His divine power. Compare fear as result of the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira - Acts 5:5, 11+, Rev 11:11+ = two slain witnesses come to life and ascend to heaven before a watching world!). Magnified (3170)(megaluno from megas - great) to make or declare great. Most commonly in the NT as in this passage, it means to magnify or praise (Luke 1:46; Acts 5:13; 10:46; 19:17; 2 Cor. 10:15; Phil. 1:20; Sept.: 2 Sa 7:26; Ps. 34:3; 69:31). Jack Arnold - A good dose of fear fell upon Ephesus, but it did not stop with non-Christians only. A realization of Christ's power in the spiritual realm brought wayward and disinterested Christians to a new dedication. (Sermon) Larkin summarizes this passage noting that "demonstrations of divine power do not automatically produce conversions (see comment at Acts 9:35, 42, where they do). They do, however, demonstrate the reality of the Lord's spiritual power and its superiority to, and difference from, magic. Realizing that Jesus' name is not to be manipulated, the populace is now in a better position to hear the good news of repentance and forgiveness of sins declared in that name (Lk 24:47). And for Christians who have believed for a while (perfect tense of pisteuo so indicates), it is now time for a final break with their past. (The IVP New Testament Commentary Series – Acts) Steven
Atos 19
Lenski comments that "They saw their delusion in the light of the Savior's name and that they were still sinning against him and his divine, saving power." (Ibid) Many also of those who had believed kept coming - Presumably these were men and women who had heard the Gospel preached by Paul and received it by faith and now sought to repent of their former way of life! Who had believed (4100)(pisteuo from pistis; cf the obedience of faith) means they had considered Jesus as truly God and worthy of their trust and so they accepted him as their Savior. Pisteuo in the perfect tense describes those who had at point in time in the past believed in the Name of Jesus (Acts 4:12+) and continued in their belief. They were the "real deal!" (Compare Perseverance of the Saints) Robertson on Luke's picturesque use of kept coming - imperfect tense middle voice (ED: middle emphasizes personal involvement), kept coming, one after another. (ED: YOU CAN ALMOST IMAGINE THIS SCENE!) Even some of the believers were secretly under the spell of these false spiritualists just as some Christians today cherish private contacts with so-called occult powers through mediums, seances, of which they are ashamed. THOUGHT - Some 25 years ago I was made aware of so-called deliverance ministries and became very intrigued, even purchasing an expensive set of "teaching tapes." I soon grew very uneasy about this new teaching that was sweeping through a number of evangelical, Bible believing churches. I became very concerned when I saw some of the tragic "fruit" of these practices including divorce in one evangelical couple who had played an instrumental role in my early walk with Christ. It was very disturbing and disillusioning. While this is only one anecdotal example, it behooves all Bible believing Christians to heed the caution of Paul who commanded the saints at Thessalonica to "examine (dokimazo in the present imperative) everything carefully; hold fast (dokimazo in the present imperative) to that which is good; abstain (dokimazo in the present imperative) from every form of evil." (1 Th 5:21-22+) And again (in the context of granting forgiveness) he writes that forgiveness be given "in order that no advantage (pleonekteo) be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant (pleonekteo) of his schemes (noema)." (2 Cor 2:10-11) Although the sermons by John MacArthur (below) are almost 50 years old (1974), they address a number of aspects of the occult that even then were infiltrating the evangelical church. I was amazed when I searched Google (May, 2019) for "deliverance ministries" (in quotes) and retrieved 649,000 hits! I agree with the reputable source Bible.org which says "We should exercise caution about “deliverance ministries” and indiscriminate exorcisms." (Spiritual Warfare) (See also Acts 17:11+) Related Resources: What does the Bible say about deliverance? - What is deliverance ministry, and is it biblical? - highly recommended Deliverance Ministry in Historical Perspective - Christian Research Institute How much emphasis should be given to demonic deliverance in the Christian life? Can a Christian be demon possessed? (See Youtube video portrayed above) Spiritual strongholds - what is the biblical view? What does the Bible say about demon possession / demonic possession? What does the Bible say about demonic oppression? How do we distinguish a psychological disorder from demon possession? Can a Christian today perform an exorcism? What does the Bible say about casting out demons? Acts 19:8-10 Exorcism: True or False? Part 1 - John MacArthur Acts 19:11-20 Exorcism: True or False? Part 2 - John MacArthur Article - Can Christians Be Demon-Possessed? What is the biblical teaching on astrology? Can Satan Hear Our Thoughts? Confessing and disclosing (announcing) their practices - These believers had been in involved in essence in spiritism and the Spirit convicted them of their syncretistic beliefs. This is clear evidence that their belief was genuine and is in essence the equivalent of repentance, for their change in mind was followed by a change in practice. It is interesting and notable that these individuals confessing and disclosing their practices clearly appear to be believers in Jesus Christ and yet Luke makes no mention of any of them having demons cast out but to the contrary emphasizes them casting out (so to speak) their "demonic" practices. Confessing (present tense - continually) (1843)(exomologeo from ek - wholly out from or ex = out or intensify [implies full, open confession, openly or publicly] + homologeo - to say same thing about) means to confess forth and thus is stronger than homologeo. In the present context exomologeo means to openly make admission of wrong-doing or sin. In Mt 3:6 exomologeo speaks of an open confession, not a private one. James also speaks of open confession - "Therefore, confess (plural - present imperative) your sins to one another, and pray (plural - present imperative) for one another so that you may be healed (iaomai). The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." Exomologeo - 10x - Matt. 3:6; Matt. 11:25; Mk. 1:5; Lk. 10:21; Lk. 22:6; Acts 19:18; Rom. 14:11; Rom. 15:9; Phil. 2:11; Jas. 5:16. In English disclose means "to make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret." Disclosing (present tense) (312)(anaggello/anangello from aná = again {like English prefix re-= again thus re-port or re-hearse = to say again} + aggéllo = tell) means to tell of things done, to provide information, to disclose. Anaggello in Acts 14:27; Acts 15:4; Acts 19:18; Acts 20:20; Acts 20:27
Atos 19
Lenski adds these books were "little papyrus rolls that were inscribed with magical formulas and symbols. They used them for their own benefit but also for the benefit of others, and often, as at present, had extensive patronage. Now they wanted to get rid of these treasured documents and, therefore, collected them and proceeded to burn them."
Atos 19
Lenski points out that 50,000 "was a lot of money to be consigned to the flames. It was one of the best investments these believers ever made. And no one had the brilliant idea of selling these bibloi to the pagans and the Jews and of setting the price aside for sacred use. Incidentally, this sum of 50,000 drachmae gives some indication as to the size to which the Ephesian congregation had grown." (Ibid) NET Note on fifty thousand - Or "fifty thousand silver drachmas" (about $10,000 US dollars). BDAG 2.c states, "arguriou muriadas pente 50,000 (Attic silver) drachmas (ED: SEE ANCIENT DRACHMA) Acts 19:19." Another way to express the value would be in sheep: One drachma could buy one sheep. So this many drachmas could purchase a huge flock of sheep. A drachma also equals a denarius, or a day's wage for the average worker. So this amount would be equal to 50,000 work days or in excess of 8,300 weeks of labor (the weeks are calculated at six working days because of the Jewish cultural context). The impact of Christianity on the Ephesian economy was considerable (note in regard to this the concerns expressed in Acts 19:26–27). Vincent's comment shows how wide the variation is regarding the cost of the occult paraphernalia - If reckoned in Jewish money, about thirty-five thousand dollars; if in Greek drachmae, as is more probable, about nine thousand three hundred dollars.
Atos 19
Lenski - It is the Word that grew and prevailed in the double sense of extending to more and more converts and of more and more filling their hearts and their lives. The word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing - The Word of the Lord refers to the Gospel. The Word is personified and appropriately so for we know the Word of God is living and active (energetic - energes) (Heb 4:12-13+), and yet it does not go forth unless it is spoken. So clearly the believers were speaking forth the word of the Lord. The imperfect tense of was growing depicts the growth occurring again and again. One envisions Gospel "farmers" in Ephesus sowing the seed of the Word hither and yon (and the Holy Spirit taking the Word and bringing about "the washing of regeneration and renewing" (Titus 3:5+) in the hearts of men and women dead in their trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1+). Remember the Gospel has intrinsic power (dunamis - dynamic power), so our role is to speak forth this dynamically powerful supernatural Word to the Lord. God's Spirit gives the growth and causes the Word to prevail. Word of the Lord in the New Testament - note concentration in the book of Acts... Lk. 22:61; Acts 8:25; Acts 11:16; Acts 12:24; Acts 13:44; Acts 13:48; Acts 13:49; Acts 15:35; Acts 15:36; Acts 16:32; Acts 19:10; Acts 19:20; 1 Thess. 1:8; 1 Thess. 4:15; 2 Thess. 3:1; 1 Pet. 1:25 Was growing (837)(auxano) means to cause to grow or cause to become greater in extent, size, state, or quality. Note especially the vitally inherent in the Word of God - Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20 - So what? Preach the Word in season and out (2 Ti 4:2) if you want to see your congregation grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). There are no shortcuts. God offers us no "Plan B!" Luke punctuates the book of Acts with this axiomatic truth that the Word of God was vital to the spread of the Gospel. If it was then, is it not still true of the mission fields in America? (Rhetorical of course! So are you in a church that is preaching the Word? Are you preaching the Word? Are you teaching the Word? see 2 Ti 4:2+) Acts 6:7+ The Word of God kept on spreading (auxano); and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. Acts 12:24+ But the Word of the Lord continued to grow (auxano) and to be multiplied. Paul used auxano of spiritual growth, describing the Gospel which had come to and transformed the lives of the Colossians "just as in all the world also it (the gospel) is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth." (Col 1:6+) There is no spiritual growth for the body (the church) apart from union with the Head, Christ. Using auxano with a similar meaning, Paul wrote to the Corinthian church -- "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth." (1Cor 3:6-7) And in one of the most foundational truths in the New Testament regarding spiritual growth (progressive sanctification), Peter says that after "putting aside (middle voice - calls for personal involvement) all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander (ALL OF THESE WILL BLUNT YOUR APPETITE FOR THE WORD! IF YOU ARE NOT HUNGERING FOR THE WORD DAILY, THEN DO A PERSONAL INVENTORY FROM PETER'S LIST), like newborn babes, long for (epipotheo in the aorist imperative = "Just Do It" - in dependence on the Spirit's enabling your desire and power!) the pure (unadulterated, no additives, no artificial substitutes) milk of the Word, that (purpose clause) by it you may grow (auxano) in respect to salvation (into conformity to the image of Christ). (1 Peter 2:1+, 1 Peter 2:2+, cf Peter's prayer for the saints in 2 Peter 3:18+ where "grow" is auxano in the present imperative - this is to be a saint's lifestyle empowered by the Spirit and the Word!) Jack Andrews - The power of God was seen in the salvation, repentance, and separation of the people. (Ibid) Mightily (2904)(kratos) means strength or might, especially manifested power, exerting itself until it prevails or secures submission (gains mastery, dominates) and in the present context until it secures submission and gains mastery of the soul of a sinner, the Spirit using the Word to bring them to salvation. Kratos was a common military term (Thucydides). Most of the NT uses (10/12) of kratos are in references to God Almighty, and make the point that ultimate dominion belongs to God Alone. Here of course kratos points to the "dominion" of God's Word, which is the supreme authority. Gary Hill says kratos "plants God's flag down" to show forth His victory (mastery)!" The only other use of kratos by Luke is Luke 1:51 "“He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart." All 12 NT uses of kratos - Lk. 1:51; Acts 19:20; Eph. 1:19; Eph. 6:10; Col. 1:11; 1 Tim. 6:16; Heb. 2:14; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:11; Jude 1:25; Rev. 1:6; Rev. 5:13. And prevailing - The Word of the Lord was proving itself superior, gaining mastery as Paul and his disciples proclaimed it throughout Asia (cf Acts 19:10+). The imperfect tense describes this as it's effect again and again. Such is the power of the Word of God! Don't ever underestimate the power of the Word. Someone may pretend that the Word you spoke to them had no effect (e.g., if they reject the Gospel), but rest assured, it did effect them one way or another (same sun that softens the wax, hardens the clay) and one of the most frightening effects is that every time they hear the Gospel and reject it, they become more hardened in their heart. What a frightening scenario! (cf 2 Cor 6:2, Read one of the most solemn warnings in all of Scripture Heb 10:26-31+ where Heb 10:31 was used by Jonathan Edwards for his sermon title - Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God). Prevailing (2480)(ischuo from ischus = might) is embodied strength that "gets into the fray" (action), i.e. strength that engages the resistance. Ischuo can speak of physical power (Mk 2:17, the demoniac in Mk 5:4). Ischuo equates to having efficacy, to availing or to having force. It is intriguing and a bit ironic that Luke used the same verb in Acts 19:16 to describe the forces of darkness as the demon possessed man overpowered the seven sons of Sceva! The Word of God is even more powerful for the demons are overpowered by the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God! Ischuo can speak of having the required resources to accomplish some objective as here in Acts 19:20 where ischuo describes the "strength" of the Gospel which is able to accomplish the purpose for which it is sent out (spoken) (see God's promise in Isaiah 55:11). Ischuo 28 uses in the NT - Matt. 5:13; Matt. 8:28; Matt. 9:12; Matt. 26:40; Mk. 2:17; Mk. 5:4; Mk. 9:18; Mk. 14:37; Lk. 6:48; Lk. 8:43; Lk. 13:24; Lk. 14:6; Lk. 14:29; Lk. 14:30; Lk. 16:3; Lk. 20:26; Jn. 21:6; Acts 6:10; Acts 15:10; Acts 19:16; Acts 19:20; Acts 25:7; Acts 27:16; Gal. 5:6; Phil. 4:13; Heb. 9:17; Jas. 5:16; Rev. 12:8 This description parallels Paul's description of the Gospel as "the power (dunamis) of God for salvation to everyone who believes." (Ro 1:16+). The Gospel has intrinsic power, and ischuo pictures it as having strength to engage resistance (think of an unbelieving heart which is "engaged" and believes). Ischuo speaks of having the required personal resources as in Paul's testimony in Php 4:13+ where he says that he "can (ischuo - present tense) do all things through Him Who strengthens (endunamoo in the present tense = continually strengthens) him." Believers need to realize that when they speak forth the Word, it is not just any word, but is a Word which can grow and prevail. Preachers are you preaching this Word? Warren Wiersbe lamented that "It is sad when Christians have no appetite for God’s Word, but must be ‘fed’ religious entertainment instead. As we grow, we discover that the Word is milk for babes, but also strong meat for the mature (He 5:11-12+, Heb 5:13-14+). It is also bread (Mt. 4:4) and honey (Ps 119:103)." (Bible Exposition Commentary. 1989. Victor) (ED COMMENT - The point is that there is no spiritual growth in a believer who does not personally (and consistently) imbibe the milk of the living and active Word of God.) Jack Arnold asks "Why don't we experience more power in our lives as Christians? We have the Bible, we have Christ in our life and we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as did the first century Christians. Why don’t we see more power? Christ works through dedicated serious and committed Christians. When we get serious, Christ will get serious." (Sermon)