God for a Needy City
Contributed by Sharon Beekmann
In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. —Acts 19:20
Ephesus exuded financial and spiritual power. The wealthy from the known world deposited money in banks located in the Temple of Artemis. The goddess presumably ruled the heavens, underworld, dead, and demons. She supplied spiritual power for miracle workers, soothsayers, astrologers, mediums, exorcists, and itinerant prophets swarming the city. Such people used magical formulae and rituals to manipulate the spirits. Before Paul arrived, Ephesus was a stronghold for Satan. How did Satan gain power?
It happened in the Garden when the first couple believed the serpent-disguised Satan and disobeyed God. Their betrayal severed their relationship with God (Gen. 3; Rev. 12:9). Satan stepped into the spiritual void with his counterfeit spirituality. People could not save themselves, but merciful God sent the Son Jesus Christ to redeem the damage done. Jesus atoned for human sin through his life, death, and resurrection. He provided the Way for believers in Christ to have a relationship with God. Satan lost! But the god-pretender fought hard to convince people otherwise through false teachings and spiritual phenomena (2 Cor 11:13-14).
The clash of powers was on full display in Ephesus. Through Word and Spirit, God’s power demolished Satan’s strongholds. Paul preached the gospel, and “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them” (19:11–12).
The sons of Sceva learned about Christ the hard way. Exorcists had used the same formula for centuries. “In the name of [source of power such as Artemis, Zeus], I command you, spirit named [
The power of God was not in the recitation of a pagan formula, nor in handkerchiefs or aprons that touched the apostle Paul (19:12). Power resides in the risen and glorified Christ! He is the Name above any name. Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit based only on faith in Jesus.
Consider –
╬ The clash of powers was on full display in Ephesus. But the counterfeit power of soothsayers or a goddess is exposed and defeated by the resurrection power of God (Eph. 1:19-20). Where today do you see temporal or counterfeit power being wielded against humanity? Pray for discernment to see the difference and for the powerful mercy and justice of the Lord of Hosts to reign in our world.
╬ Western culture scoffs that belief in the devil is medieval nonsense. Christians might also not take seriously the deceiver’s devices thinking that to consult a psychic, read horoscopes, play a Ouija board, or seek help from energy healers is harmless. But the Enemy of Christ Jesus and His Church is still in the business of deception today. If you have participated in such things, prayerfully ask God’s forgiveness. Seek out prayer partners who will companion you to the mercy seat of God.
╬ Creator God, with the apostle Paul, we ask that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened, so that we may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Amen. (Eph. 1:18-21)