Power to Perform

Today’s reading: Acts 18:23-28, 19:1-12

“God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases...” - Acts 19:11-12‬

There was a well known magic in the first century called mana. It was the belief that healing could come from the skin. Here we see God showing that he is the true healer. These people were coming to Paul as he was working and looking for healing (handkerchief and apron were working garments).

“Ephesus was known to be the magic capital of Asia Minor…Henceforth it would be troubles, travels, and trials for Paul.” - Ben Witherington

Why would God allow for healing like this up to Ephesus and then lead Paul into more than a decade of imprisonments and an eventual martyrdom?

Ultimately, Paul wasn’t doing his work to perform tricks, to become a superior magician. His ministry existed to create eternal life change in others — sometimes with signs and sometimes with sufferings.