Friday 22 August 2008
- Bible Book:
- Acts
"Everyone was awestruck; and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised. Also many of those who became believers confessed and disclosed their practices. A number of those who practiced magic collected their books and burned them publicly... So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed." (v.17-20)
Background
Ephesus was the magic capital of Asia Minor (modern-day westernTurkey). If Christianity could triumph there its god would indeedbe recognised as truly great, and the conclusion of the passagestrongly indicates such a triumph.
The essence of magic is the attempt, through words or rituals, tomanipulate a supernatural power into doing the magician's will.Part of the art was to discern which spirits were helpful and whichwere most powerful in particular situations. This is how thewandering exorcists, who claimed to be Jews (though there was nevera high priest called Sceva), latched onto the name of Jesus as amagic charm.
However, the power of Jesus cannot be used as a talisman and theevil spirit, recognising its lack of true authority, overpowers thecharlatans in a comic drama. The power of Jesus is not mechanicalor able to be exercised at second-hand and the incident led manybelievers in magic to a true respect for Jesus or even a faithcommitment to him.
As often happened, the genuineness of people's conversion to JesusChrist is demonstrated by the willing financial sacrifice theymade.
To Ponder
Was Paul wise, in a place awash with magic, toallow his items of personal clothing to be used as channels ofhealing? What do you think his intentions were in doing this?
What forms of magic are evident among the peoplewe know today?
Do people today ever "have evil spirits"? If so,how should Christians respond?