Acts 19:11-12
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)
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This wasn't just any miracle-working; the original Greek highlights that these were "not the usual" or "common" works of power. It emphasizes that these manifestations were extraordinary, pointing to a divine intervention that far surpassed the everyday.
Paul is in Ephesus, a major city, boldly teaching about the Kingdom of God in the synagogue for three months. When some reject his message and continue to speak evil of it, he moves to the lecture hall of Tyrannus, where he teaches for two more years. During this time, God grants Paul extraordinary, not everyday, miraculous powers to confirm the message being preached.
Have you ever felt like something was truly 'out of this world'? The Bible describes miracles performed by Paul in Ephesus in a way that highlights their sheer uniqueness.
The verse uses a specific Greek phrase that translates to 'not the chance ones' or 'not the ordinary ones.' This isn't just a casual description; it's a deliberate emphasis. These weren't everyday occurrences or minor displays of power. The scholars point out this phrase was used to denote something truly remarkable, rare, and distinguished. Think of it as God putting on a show of power that was so far beyond the norm, it demanded attention and conveyed a clear message: this is God at work.
We often focus on the person performing a miracle, but this verse shifts the spotlight. Who is truly credited here?
The wording here is powerful: 'And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul.' While Paul is mentioned, the active agent, the powerhouse behind these incredible events, is God. Paul is the instrument, the conduit. This is a crucial distinction. It means God's power isn't limited by human weakness or capability; He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes. This should fill us with awe for God and encourage us that He can and does work through ordinary people like you and me.
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 nature of the miracles in Ephesus was a direct response to the city's deep entanglement with idolatry and pagan practices, serving as a powerful divine counter-demonstration.
c. AD 52
Paul Arrives in Ephesus
Paul arrives in Ephesus, the capital of the Roman province of Asia, a vibrant and significant city. He begins his ministry here, preaching in the synagogue.
c. AD 52-55— this verse
Extended Ministry in Ephesus
Paul stays in Ephesus for an extended period, possibly over two years, teaching diligently and performing remarkable miracles. The city becomes a major center for the spread of the gospel in the region.
c. AD 55
Riot in Ephesus
The silversmiths, led by Demetrius, stir up a riot against Paul because his ministry threatens their trade in idols of Artemis. This event highlights the intense opposition to the gospel.
c. AD 55
Paul Departs Ephesus
Following the riot, Paul leaves Ephesus, entrusting the church to other leaders. He continues his missionary journeys, carrying the impact of his Ephesian ministry with him.
This passage highlights God's intention to work through Moses to perform signs and wonders, similar to how God used Paul as an instrument for extraordinary miracles.
Deuteronomy 34:12The description of Moses acting 'with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm' echoes the extraordinary nature of the miracles God performed through Paul, emphasizing divine power channeled through a human agent.
Acts 5:15This verse describes people bringing the sick out into the streets so that Peter's shadow might fall on them, indicating a precedent for unusual divine power being manifested through apostles' proximity, similar to the handkerchiefs and aprons from Paul.
2 Corinthians 12:12Paul himself states that the 'signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all patience, with signs and wonders and miracles,' directly affirming the extraordinary nature of the miracles God worked through him.
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.
This wasn't just any miracle-working; the original Greek highlights that these were "not the usual" or "common" works of power. It emphasizes that these manifestations were extraordinary, pointing to a divine intervention that far surpassed the everyday.
Paul is in Ephesus, a major city, boldly teaching about the Kingdom of God in the synagogue for three months. When some reject his message and continue to speak evil of it, he moves to the lecture hall of Tyrannus, where he teaches for two more years. During this time, God grants Paul extraordinary, not everyday, miraculous powers to confirm the message being preached.
Paul is in Ephesus, a major city, boldly teaching about the Kingdom of God in the synagogue for three months. When some reject his message and continue to speak evil of it, he moves to the lecture hall of Tyrannus, where he teaches for two more years. During this time, God grants Paul extraordinary, not everyday, miraculous powers to confirm the message being preached.
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"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." — This wasn't just any miracle-working; the original Greek highlights that these were "not the usual" or "common" works of power. It emphasizes that these manifestations were extraordinary, pointing…
