Healing and casting out evil spirits

Paul’s ministry in the school of Tyrannus lasted for two years, during which various miracles occurred. “God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul.” The healing of the sick was a divine work that accompanied Paul’s ministry in Ephesus. These miracles do not indicate that Paul possessed the ability to heal. It was God Himself who was performing these extraordinary works of power. Paul could not perform healing at will, as is evident from the content of his letters. Paul writes: “Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me.” Paul also writes: “Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (1 Tim. 5:23). “Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus” (2 Tim. 4:20). “So that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.” (1) Merely touching the sick with handkerchiefs or aprons that Paul had worn brought healing. These were the handkerchiefs and aprons used in his tentmaking work. In this miracle, healing occurred indirectly, and evil spirits also departed. (2) These miracles served as “signs” to confirm the message Paul was preaching. A similarity can be observed with Peter’s ministry (ref. Acts 5:15–16). (3) The mention of casting out evil spirits here serves as a transition to the next section, the episode of the seven sons of Sceva. The lessons to be learned from this passage are as follows: (1) The handkerchiefs and aprons did not possess any mystical power. (2) These miracles were outward evidence demonstrating the remarkable manifestation of God’s power. In Ephesus, where superstition and magic were widespread, such “signs” were necessary. (3) Today, placing handkerchiefs or aprons on the sick has no significance. (4) Let us learn to discern which parts of Scripture apply to us and which do not. In our daily devotions, let us pray for the Holy Spirit’s help and guidance.