Unstoppable! 'Our True Enemy' — Acts 19:13-20

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

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A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, "I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!" Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, "I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?" Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.

The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.

— Acts 19:13-20 NLT

Key Thought

Ephesus was one of the largest and most important cities in the world during the birth of Jesus' church. It was a major banking center. It was a place where the East and the West met and where the Eastern mind and religions mingled with the Western. The practices of pagan religions and "dark arts" (demonic practices) were prevalent in Ephesus. When Paul later wrote his letter to the Ephesians, he emphasized that the people who practiced these "dark arts" are not the enemy, but the demonic and satanic power behind them are.* Luke emphasized in this episode of Paul's ministry that reciting the name of Jesus as a magical incantation had no efficacy. What made Paul's ministry powerful (see yesterday's devotional) was his faith and relationship to Jesus, not any magical practices or words that he said. Jesus has all power, but as Lord, he chooses who uses that power!

* See the first reference in the Related Scripture Readings.

Today's Prayer

Father, I believe that Jesus has all power and as Lord chooses how, and through whom, that power is used. Please give your faithful servants today the power to bless and restore what is broken in people's lives. In addition, dear Father, as you did with the sons of Sceva, reveal those who are charlatans who falsely try to use the name of Jesus and thereby bring dishonor to the message of Christ. We need your power and we need leaders of integrity, dear God, because we want to be partners with you in sharing the unstoppable message of Jesus! I pray this in his mighty name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 6:10-17
  • Colossians 1:11-23, 2:8-15

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 19:13-20 NLT — A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, "I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!" Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, "I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?" Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered. The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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