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19:13-16. Many Ephesians engaged in exorcism and occult practices for profit (see 19:18,19). The son’s of Sceva were impressed by Paul’ s work? Whose power to drive out demons came from God’s Holy Spirit, not from witchcraft, and was obviously more powerful than theirs. They discovered however, that no one can control or duplicate God’s power. These man were calling on the name of Jesus without knowing the person. The power to change people comes from Christ. It cannot be tapped by reciting his name like a magic charm. God works his power only through those he chooses.

19:28,29 – You cannot be a believer and hold on to the occult, black magic or sorcery. Once you begin to Dabble in this areas, it is extremely easy to become obsessed by them because Satan is very powerful. But God’s power is even greater(Rev.20:10), if you are mixed up in the occult, learn a lesson from the Ephesians and get rid of anything that could keep you trapped in such practices.

20:18-21. The way of the believer is not an easy road, being a Christian does not solve or remove all problems. Paul served humbly and ‘with years’, “but he never quit, never gave up”. The message of salvation was
So important that he never missed an opportunity to share it. And although he preached his message in different ways to different audiences, the message remained the same. Turning away from
Sin and turning to Christ by faith. The Christian life will have its rough times, it’s years, and it’s sorrows as well as its joys, but we should always be ready yo tell others what good things God has done for us. His blessings far outweigh life’s difficulties.

20:24 – We often feel that life is a failure unless we are getting a lot out of it, recognition, fun, money, success. But Paul considered life worth nothing unless he used it for God’s work. What he put into life was far more important than what he got out. Which is more important to you —what you get out of life, or what you put into it?

20:24. Single mindedness is a quality needed by anyone who wishes to do God’s work. Paul was a single minded person and the most important Goal of his life was to tell others about Christ(Phil.3:7-13). It is no wonder that Paul was the greatest missionary who ever lived. God is looking for more men and women who focus on that one great task God has given them to do.

20:31, 36-38. Paul’s relationship with these believers is a beautiful example of Christian fellowship. He had cared for them and loved them, even cried over their needs. They responded with Love and care for him and sorrow over his leaving. They had prayed together and comforted one another. Like Paul, you can build strong relationships with other Christians by sharing, caring, sorrowing, rejoicing, and praying with them. You will gather others around you only by giving yourself away to them.

21:13,14 – Paul knew he would be inprisoned inJerusalem . Although his friends pleaded with him to not go there, he knew that he had to
Because God wanted him to. No one enjoys pain, but a faithful disciple wants above all else to please God. Our desire to please God should overshadow our desire to avoid hardship and suffering. When we really want to do God’s will, we must accept all that comes with it — even the pain. Then we can say with Paul, “ The Lord’s will be done”!

22:21,22 – These people listened intently to Paul, but the word Gentile brought out all their anger and exposed their pride. They were supposed to be a light to the Gentiles, telling them about the one true God. But they had renounced that mission by becoming separatist and exclusive..God’s plan, however , would not be thwarted; the Gentiles were hearing the Good News through Jewish Christians such as Paul and Peter.

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Clara Radhakrishna