So the word of God prevailed

“So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.” - Act 19v20

If there was ever any place on earth that was impossible to reach with the gospel it was Ephesus. The city was incredibly rich. It was quite possibly the greatest and most important city of Asia Minor at the time when Paul and his team went there. About 225,000 people lived there, many in wealth and splendour. Who in a city like that would think they needed God? Besides, they already had all the religion they could want. The city was after all the world-wide headquarters for Artimes/Diana worship and there was a huge temple there.

Yet, this is where God led Paul. They had some great success, which of course was followed by trouble. There is the almost amusing account of seven Jewish brothers who thought they could ride Paul’s coat tails (or robe tails) and make a prophet off of casting out demons – this led to one demon possessed man beating them up and sending them running naked into the streets.

After this though there was a huge change. People started getting saved, including some of the magicians who brought in and burned about 40 million euro worth of their books and wares.

The amazing and encouraging thing is this – the word of God grew mightily and prevailed. In spite of materialism, false religion, and demonism the word of God grew mightily and prevailed. Did you catch that – it PREVAILED!!

I doubt that any of us are ever going to be called into a more challenging field than Ephesus – yet even there the word of God prevailed.

Praise God for His prevailing word!