In the final sermon of our Acts 16-19 series, we saw how real transformation and growth occurs when God powerfully transforms His people by affirming Jesus’ ultimate authority over all things and by the Word of the Lord. In Acts 19:11-20, God the miracle worker powerfully validates and confirms both Paul’s message and role as God’s messenger. This follows the pattern of authentication in which Jesus and Peter’s authority were also affirmed by God. We then saw how some Jewish exorcists misused Jesus’ name, suffering shameful consequences. Through these incidents, Jesus’ name is extolled by all, even leading to costly acts of repentance where transformed believers publicly rejected former practices. Throughout this series, we have seen various people coming to believe in Jesus, having their faith and practice shaped by God’s strengthening word. The same Gospel still increases and prevails powerfully, strengthening us as His church. As the Gospel turns the world upside down, let us also allow the Gospel to turn us inside out so that the name of the Lord Jesus may be extolled by all.
