The original Greek phrasing here, "not the usual powers," highlights that these weren't just ordinary displays of God's might; they were extraordinary, uniquely potent manifestations that set Paul apart. This wasn't just about God working through Paul, but about God working spectacularly through him, in ways that couldn't be easily dismissed or compared to common occurrences.
And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In Ephesus, Paul has been teaching and arguing for God's kingdom for months, and now, in response to hardened unbelief and blasphemy, he’s been driven from the synagogue. To confirm the message of the gospel and his authority as an apostle, God is now powerfully working through Paul, performing extraordinary miracles that far surpass anything ordinary. This divine power is so potent that even items Paul has touched, like handkerchiefs or aprons, carry away sickness and evil spirits when brought to the afflicted.
Ever feel like you're just going through the motions? The Bible doesn't shy away from describing moments where God's power broke through in spectacular ways. This verse highlights that God's actions weren't just 'any' miracles.
The verse uses a specific phrase, often translated as 'special' or 'extraordinary' miracles. The original Greek emphasizes that these were not the common, everyday, or chance occurrences.
Not Just Any Power
Think of it like this: anyone can fix a leaky faucet. That's a common skill. But performing open-heart surgery? That requires specialized knowledge and extraordinary ability. The miracles described here were more like the surgery – unique, powerful, and undeniably divine interventions.
God's Signature
This language points to miracles that were distinguished and remarkable, setting them apart from anything ordinary. They were clear signposts of God's presence and power at work, confirming the message being preached.
We often focus on the person performing a great feat. But this verse shifts the focus in a crucial way. Who was really doing the work, and what was the role of the human instrument?
The wording here is intentional: 'God was doing... by the hands of Paul.' This doesn't diminish Paul's role, but it clearly defines the ultimate source of the power.
The Divine Source
Ask a follow-up
Paul was the channel, the conduit through which God's power flowed. The miracles weren't a result of Paul's inherent ability or magic, but a direct action of God Himself. Think of a powerful river flowing through a man-made canal; the canal directs the water, but the river is the source of its might.
Instrument, Not Originator
Luke, the writer of Acts, was meticulous. He highlights that 'God' was the active agent. This serves as a vital reminder for us: any spiritual gift or ability we have is a gift from God, meant to be used for His glory, not our own. The power isn't ours; it belongs to God, and we are privileged to be His instruments.
Understand the original words
dynameis · Greek Noun
Refers to works of divine power that transcend natural laws, intended to authenticate the messenger and the message of the Gospel. In the New Testament, they are signs pointing to the authority of God.
nosos · Greek Noun
A state of bodily or mental suffering/malady. In Scripture, it is often associated with the consequences of the Fall and can be subject to divine healing or supernatural intervention.
pneumata ponēra · Greek Noun phrase
Refers to demonic entities or fallen angels who oppose God's kingdom and afflict humanity. They are personal beings subject to the authority of Jesus and His followers.
The extraordinary miracles performed by Paul in Ephesus were not commonplace; they were a distinctive sign of God's power, set apart from ordinary events and even from the practices of local healers or exorcists, serving to authenticate the gospel message in a city heavily influenced by paganism and sorcery.
c. AD 52
Paul Arrives in Ephesus
Paul begins a significant ministry in Ephesus, a major Roman port city and a center of commerce and religion in Asia Minor.
c. AD 52-55— this verse
Paul's Extended Ministry in Ephesus
The Apostle Paul spends over two years in Ephesus, preaching, teaching, and establishing the church. This period is marked by extensive ministry and significant spiritual impact.
c. AD 55
Confrontation with Exorcists
The effectiveness of Paul's ministry leads to a dramatic incident where Jewish exorcists attempt to mimic his authority, highlighting the unique power associated with Paul's work.
c. AD 55
Riot in Ephesus
A silversmith named Demetrius incites a riot against Paul and his companions, fearing that their preaching will harm the lucrative trade of idols dedicated to the goddess Artemis.
c. AD 55
Paul Departs Ephesus
Following the riot and further apostolic work, Paul leaves Ephesus, entrusting the church to other leaders and moving on to Macedonia and Achaia.
This passage describes Moses as acting with a 'mighty hand,' similar to how Paul is described as an instrument through whom God works powerfully.
Acts 5:15This verse shows that extraordinary miracles were previously associated with the apostles, like Peter, demonstrating a pattern of God using His servants in remarkable ways.
2 Corinthians 12:12Paul himself states that 'the signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, through signs and wonders and miracles,' confirming that such extraordinary acts were a hallmark of his ministry.
Romans 15:19Paul mentions that his ministry was characterized by 'the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit,' which directly relates to the 'extraordinary miracles' performed in Acts 19.
ellicottActs 19:11: "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:"
(11) And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul. —The Greek phrase is negative: no common works of power —not such as one might meet with any day. (See Note on Acts 28:2 , where the same phrase recurs.) The noun is that which was technically used by physicians for the healing “powers” or “virtues” of this or that remedy, and is so far, though used freely by other writers, characteristic of St. Luke.
barnesActs 19:11: "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:"
Special miracles - Miracles that were remarkable; that were not common, or that were very unusual (οὐ τὰς τυχών ou tas tuchōn). This expression is Classical Greek. Thus, Longinus says of Moses that he was no common man - οὐχ ̓ ὁ τύχων ἀνήρ ouch ho tuchōn anēr.
The original Greek phrasing here, "not the usual powers," highlights that these weren't just ordinary displays of God's might; they were extraordinary, uniquely potent manifestations that set Paul apart. This wasn't just about God working through Paul, but about God working spectacularly through him, in ways that couldn't be easily dismissed or compared to common occurrences.
In Ephesus, Paul has been teaching and arguing for God's kingdom for months, and now, in response to hardened unbelief and blasphemy, he’s been driven from the synagogue. To confirm the message of the gospel and his authority as an apostle, God is now powerfully working through Paul, performing extraordinary miracles that far surpass anything ordinary. This divine power is so potent that even items Paul has touched, like handkerchiefs or aprons, carry away sickness and evil spirits when brought to the afflicted.
In Ephesus, Paul has been teaching and arguing for God's kingdom for months, and now, in response to hardened unbelief and blasphemy, he’s been driven from the synagogue. To confirm the message of the gospel and his authority as an apostle, God is now powerfully working through Paul, performing extraordinary miracles that far surpass anything ordinary. This divine power is so potent that even items Paul has touched, like handkerchiefs or aprons, carry away sickness and evil spirits when brought to the afflicted.
"And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them." — The original Greek phrasing here, "not the usual powers," highlights that these weren't just ordinary displays of God's might; they were extraordinary, uniquely potent manifestations that set Paul ap…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
