Scripture
18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
Reflection
In yesterday’s devotional, we observed Paul’s change in his audience regarding the gospel moving away from the Jews to the gentiles. Today we read in verse 18, many of those gentiles to whom Paul evangelized, believed in Jesus and repented of their sins.
In this narrative, many of the Christians (new and old) had been involved in sorcery and spiritism. By publicly confessing their sin and burning the books, did these Christians not only receive complete forgiveness and freedom but the name of the Lord kept on spreading and grew in power.
May these verses be of encouragement to us today. By confessing our sins and walking away from it, does it not only bring freedom to us, but it serves as a great testimony to God and his power.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Follow the ACTS acronym in prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (Asking).
