SCRIPTURE: Acts 19 

KEY POINTS TO PONDER: In chapter 19, we see Paul continuing his ministry, this time staying in one place, Ephesus, for three years. Jesus is working powerfully through him; in 

fact, people begin to notice how powerful the name of Jesus really is and try to use that to their advantage. In verses 11-20, we see that there are some Jewish exorcists (people who cast out evil spirits as a profession) trying to use Jesus’ name to cast out demons. The seven sons of a Jewish high priest tried this trick after seeing Paul’s ministry being so effective, but the response of the evil spirit gives some important insight. The evil spirit basically says, “I recognize Paul and I know Jesus, but you guys aren’t with them at all.” This situation shows that Jesus is not just a tool to be used for humans to overcome evil. We aren’t called to use Jesus as some magic formula to fix our problems, but we are called to submit to his leadership and redemption. It is through Jesus’ power that we are given the authority that the sons of Sceva looked for. 

CHALLENGING TERMS: When it says that the gospel reached the entirety of Asia, it is not referring to the continent of Asia that we would think of today. The country referred to as Asia at the time was located above the Mediterranean Sea. Paul’s ministry strategy there was preaching in bigger cities and then sending other believers in surrounding areas to plant churches. 

REFLECTION: How might you tend to use Jesus as a tool to make something happen? How can you begin to submit to him and his authority instead? 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that you are so much more than a tool to be used for our own advantage, but someone we can have intimacy with. 

Pray for God to bring areas to mind where you are seeing him more as a tool to get what