Bible Study: Acts Chapter 19
March 27, 2006
There’s Power in Jesus’ Name
Introduction:
After major events in our lives, we experience changes that give evidence of those events. The sixteen-year old passed her driver’s test and no longer relied on her parents to drive her where she needed to go. The college grad secured a job in his field and earned money to support himself. The single man married and remained faithful to his wife.
New positions in life brought maturity and responsibility. When we became Christians, the Holy Spirit’s presence marked our character and changed our perspective. We became concerned for the lost, hungry for the Word, and eager for Christ’s return. The Holy Spirit empowered us to overcome the evil one as further evidence of our salvation through Christ.
Core of the Lesson:
Paul noticed a lack of this evidence in the disciples mentioned in verses 1-6. Upon questioning, he discovered that they were disciples of John the Baptist. They were looking forward to the coming King. John preached repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2). Repentance and baptism was a Jewish custom. Pagan religions also practiced baptism as a ritual or initiation into their religions.
Paul informed the disciple that John’s baptism was with water in anticipation of the One to come after him. John fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy, The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3). Then Paul continued to reveal Jesus Christ. Verse 5 refers to being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus to distinguish the baptism from all others including John’s. It does NOT mean that they were using only the name of Jesus. The Lord commanded, “Go therefore, and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19). The early church followed Jesus’ command.
In verse six, Luke mentions for the last time speaking in tongues in association with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues is a gift and is beneficial for edification. It should not be a public display unless there is an interpreter that all may receive the blessing. Notice that Luke connects speaking in tongues with prophecy. That is the primary function of speaking in tongues publicly. (See I Corinthians 14 for more information on the gifts of the Spirit.) The Holy Spirit must have full charge of these matters. He gives the gifts and enables us to use them at the appropriate times. He intends them for the glory of God and the building of His kingdom.
The Holy Spirit encompassed Paul so completely that his handkerchiefs (sweatbands he wore around his head) and his aprons, which he wore as he worked, were instruments of healing. The items held no power. The power rested in the faith of the people and in Paul’s complete submission to the Holy Spirit. James said The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail (Luke 22:32). After the disciple received the power of the Holy Spirit, he abounded with so much faith that people were healed when his shadow past over them (Acts 5:15).
Not all that call on the name of Jesus receive that kind of power. Watching the mighty miracles of Paul, some Jews decided to use the name of Jesus in vain. They were not professing believers. They were professional exorcists and desired the power without the submission to the Lord. In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, reveals that they only knew about Him and did not desire a personal relationship with Him. Apparently, these men recognized a greater power than their own. Then, Luke mentions specifically the seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest. These men tempted God and their fate was sealed. The demonic spirit was not fooled by their mockery. Demonically possessed people exhibit extraordinary strength. This man stripped and beat all seven men.
Using the name of the Lord does not automatically bring miracles. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are powerless against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, which Paul reminds the Ephesians that we battle (Ephesians 6:12b). Paul warns the reader to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18).
As we conclude this chapter, we understand why Paul reminded the Ephesians about the warfare with the unseen forces. The entire city worshipped idols. Demons ran rampant in their midst ready to take up residence in any ignorant soul.