অ্যাপটি ডাউনলোড করুনWE SHALL NOT DIE - Reading With the People of God #17নমুনা
MAGIC V. GOSPEL POWER
Once again, we will be confronted with a war oracle by Isaiah, where some leaders traveled to Egypt to make a military alliance with the Pharaoh. In particular, the woe is related to Israel’s foolish trust in Egypt’s horsepower. This was a constant issue (Deut. 17:16, Psalm 20:7). This warning should persuade Isaiah’s audience and every reader today to trust in God, not in human wisdom, brute strength, or political alliances. When God stretches out His hand to carry out His gracious will and divine purpose, we all need to humbly bow and acknowledge where our help comes from.
Our Acts reading today is a full-blown magic showdown. People love a good magic show, but for the Ephesians, this was their lifeblood. Ephesus was reputed as a center for magic. The famous statue of Artemis, the centerpiece of her temple, was noted for the mysterious terms engraved on the crown, girdle, and feet of the image. *Bruce Metzger said that this magical gibberish was considered to have great power. Magic was a part of their culture. Examples of the gospel moving in power will be shared as you read. Paul spent much time in this area confronting the darkness and seeing victory. It is here that Paul made a major decision to move the ministry westward to Rome, and even a desire to go to Spain!
The Ephesians believers gave up that past life, and for some, it was costly. They celebrated. For others, the economic interests were too close to home (see Demetrius). It seems even today, the gospel is most controversial when it comes in conflict with our pocketbooks! Jesus changes everything!
* Saint Paul and the Magician, Princeton Seminary Bulletin, 1944
Primer contributed by Brian Mott, Ministering Elder
About this Plan
In this 17th installment of Reading with the People of God, we continue following a lectionary rhythm—Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms. This plan explores the prophetic voices of Micah, Habakkuk, and Isaiah, who confronted kings and warned of coming judgment while pointing to the hope of the Messiah. Alongside these, we'll read from the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts, tracing the life of Christ and the birth of the Church. As we read these powerful passages in parallel, may the Spirit shape us and grow us in Christ together.
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