Acts 19:12

So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

So {G2532}{G5620} that from {G575} his {G846} body {G5559} were brought {G2018} unto {G1909} the sick {G770} handkerchiefs {G4676} or {G2228} aprons {G4612}, and {G2532} the diseases {G3554} departed {G525} from {G575} them {G846}, and {G5037} the evil {G4190} spirits {G4151} went {G1831} out of {G575} them {G846}.

For instance, handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were brought to sick people; they would recover from their ailments; and the evil spirits would leave them.

so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them.

insomuch that unto the sick were carried away from his body handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out.

Commentary

Acts 19:12 describes extraordinary manifestations of God's power through the Apostle Paul during his lengthy and impactful ministry in Ephesus. This verse highlights the profound divine endorsement of Paul's apostolic authority and the unique way God chose to work through him in that specific cultural context.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader narrative of Paul's two-year ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:8-10), a major Roman city and a hub for idol worship, particularly the cult of Artemis (Diana), and various forms of magic and occult practices. Paul's preaching of the Kingdom of God was met with both acceptance and strong opposition. The miracles described here served as undeniable proof of God's supremacy over the prevalent spiritual darkness and paganism in the city, preparing the way for a significant spiritual awakening and a direct confrontation with the local occult economy.

Key Themes

  • Extraordinary Divine Power: The passage emphasizes the unusual nature of these miracles ("So that from his body were brought..."). This was not a common occurrence but a special demonstration of God's power, perhaps tailored to the superstitious and magic-oriented culture of Ephesus.
  • God Working Through Instruments: The handkerchiefs (Greek: soudaria, sweat cloths) and aprons (Greek: simikinthia, working cloths) were ordinary items that had touched Paul's body. The power was not inherent in the objects themselves, but God chose to channel His healing and delivering power through them, similar to how healing occurred through Peter's shadow in Jerusalem or by touching Jesus' garment.
  • Victory Over Sickness and Evil Spirits: The immediate results were profound: "the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them." This dual victory underscores God's comprehensive power to restore physical health and deliver from spiritual oppression, directly challenging the dominion of sickness and demonic forces.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words for "handkerchiefs" (soudaria) and "aprons" (simikinthia) refer to common, everyday personal items. This detail is significant because it highlights that God's power is not limited to grand, ceremonial acts but can flow through the most mundane objects when He chooses. It also subtly counters the idea that the power resided in Paul himself as a person, but rather in God who was working powerfully through His chosen apostle.

Practical Application

While we should not expect miraculous healing through personal items in the same way today, Acts 19:12 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • God is sovereign and can work in extraordinary ways to accomplish His purposes, especially in challenging spiritual environments.
  • The power of God is not limited by human means or methods; He can use anything or anyone He chooses.
  • The ultimate source of healing and deliverance is God alone. Our faith should be in Him, not in objects or individuals.
  • The New Testament consistently shows God's desire to bring freedom from sickness and spiritual bondage, demonstrating His compassion and power.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 5:15

    Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

  • 2 Kings 13:20

    ¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.

  • 2 Kings 13:21

    And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band [of men]; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.

  • Mark 16:17

    And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

  • 2 Kings 4:29

    Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.

  • 2 Kings 4:31

    And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but [there was] neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.
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