Turning The World Upside Down: Spiritual Warfare Part 1: Acts 19:8-20

I. Paul’s Battle With The Religious Crowd vs. 8-10

A. Paul’s longest hearing at a synagogue (3 months). Some became opponents of Paul, the gospel, and Yahweh.

B. Christianity was known as “The Way”. Christianity is a way of life, not an institution, or religion. When we become a religion or institution we get in trouble.

C. Paul would make tents during the day (7-11), lecture from (11-4) then work from 5-9.

II. Paul’s Advance in Battle vs. 11-20

A. The handkerchiefs and aprons would have been used for Paul’s work as a tent maker. Paul wasn’t selling these, he was giving them away, as people needed a cure.

B. This is a transitional gift. This was used as a sign of judgment for the Jews. John 4:48 “So Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.””

C. Jewish exorcist were common in that day. Most were frauds and con artists. It was a common belief that they had access to a secret name or pronunciation of God’s name that had special power over the spirit world.

D. Then when these con artist come in contact with the a real demon possessed man, they have no power, but they know Paul does by Jesus, so they evoke their names.

E. The demons knew Paul, for a good reason. Could the same be said of us?

F. Whenever someone heard what happened in one of the worst beat downs in history, they were afraid, and knew of Jesus’ power.

G. God’s Word prevailed because people were busy about the work, they weren’t compromising, even on the little things.