Acts 19:11-20 – Double Idolatry – False Religion and Love of Money

The apostle was not only to be the means of helping forward the existing believers, but also of heralding the Gospel to pagan multitudes. The effect was twofold – many conversions and raging opposition. Verse 20 describes the first of these effects. By the power of God, the word of God increased in its influence over the hearts of men. It was not some mindless experience. The word was preached, understood, believed and acted upon. They trusted in the Christ of God preached to them and repented of their sins and brought forth the fruits of repentance – some even publicly burnt their books of magical arts (vs.18-19). This is what happens when the Lord causes His word to prevail and sinners bow the knee to Christ in the Gospel. Has that word prevailed in us and does it continue to prevail in us? Are our hearts tender toward the word of the Lord? We need the Holy Spirit to work in us to become believers and we need the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in us daily to more and more bring our hearts and lives into subjection to the word as we ‘grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’ (2 Peter 3:18).

As the word prevailed among many, so it also provoked fury among others. ‘The election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded’. (Romans 11:7).

Questions
1. Why does the world sometimes try to mimic the people of God (vs. 13-17)?

Prayer Points
1. Pray that we would grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.