“Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done.  A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.” (Acts 19:18-20)

     During Paul’s stay in Ephesus, some were misled and practiced sorcery, but Paul continued to preach the truth of the gospel.  Finally, those who were misled came to the realization that there is no other way but to follow Jesus.  He is not a spiritual power we can manipulate, but the sovereign Lord whom we should worship and serve. 

     “In this way the word of the Lord spread and grew in power.” (vs. 20) This gives us the central theme of the book of Acts: the gospel's progress is unstoppable.  The truth of God’s word will always reveal itself to the world.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you are the one whom should follow.  Help those who are misled and bring them back.  We all need you, and we know that your life-changing message will continue.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.