Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

PAUL AND THE EXORCISTS Marching straight into the teeth of paganism, Paul preached to the exorcists and those who practiced magic arts in Ephesus. In so doing, he precipitated a riot. When many of those dabbling in witchcraft were converted, it threatened the lucrative businesses of dealers in black magic. On one occasion, over ten thousand dollars worth of books of magic were burned publicly. Craftsmen specializing in making shrines for Satanism incited a riot against Paul, and he had to flee the city. However, these encounters with the forces of evil strengthened the young church at Ephesus, and it grew in numbers and strength. Later, Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus to encourage them in the Lord. Unlike his Epistles to Galatia and Colosse, this letter contains no words of rebuke. Rather, it is made of words of encouragement. God was doing a great work in Ephesus, and Paul commended the people for their faithfulness. The Epistle to the Ephesians has been called one of the brightest gems in God's Word. The book pleads for unity among believers. Timothy would later pastor this great church, and John the Beloved would live out his last days there. Ever practical, Paul admonishes believers to put on the whole armor of God. He understands that we simply do not possess the expertise to conquer the wiles of the enemy in our own strength. Therefore, our spiritual survival depends on the armor. His advice is especially meaningful in our times. If modern believers are to survive the pressure of our times, they must be equipped with God's best. Those who have tried to live without this armor find themselves casualties in the war of faith.