Witchcraft Books Burned

This chapter is based on Acts 19:1-20.

In the time of the apostles, Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia. Its harbor was crowded with ships, and its streets were thronged with people from every country. Like Corinth, it was a promising field for missionary work.ULe 104.1

The Jews, widely scattered in all civilized lands, were generally expecting the Messiah. When John the Baptist was preaching, many who visited Jerusalem had gone out to the Jordan to listen to him. There they had heard him proclaim Jesus as the Promised One, and they had carried the news to all parts of the world. In this way God had prepared the way for the apostles.ULe 104.2

At Ephesus, Paul found twelve believers who had been disciples of John the Baptist and who had gained some knowledge of Christ’s mission. But when Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit, they answered, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” “Into what then were you baptized?” Paul inquired. They said, “Into John’s baptism.”ULe 104.3

Then the apostle told them of Christ’s life and of His cruel and shameful death, and how He had risen triumphant over death. He repeated the Savior’s commission: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18, 19). He also told them of Christ’s promise to send the Comforter and described how gloriously the Lord had fulfilled this promise on the Day of Pentecost.ULe 104.4

The men listened with amazement and joy. They grasped the truth of Christ’s atoning sacrifice and received Him as their Redeemer. They were then baptized in the name of Jesus, and as Paul “laid hands on them,” they received the Holy Spirit and were enabled to speak the languages of other nations and to prophesy. In this way God qualified them to preach the gospel in Asia Minor.ULe 104.5

By cherishing a humble, teachable spirit, these men gained the experience that enabled them to go as workers into the harvest field. Their example presents a valuable lesson. Many make very little progress in their spiritual life because they are too self-sufficient. They are content with a superficial knowledge of God’s Word.ULe 104.6

If the followers of Christ would earnestly seek wisdom, God would lead them into rich fields of truth that they don’t yet know exist. God’s divine hand will guide those who give themselves fully to Him. As they treasure the lessons of divine wisdom, God will enable them to make their lives an honor to Him and a blessing to the world.ULe 105.1