Acts 19:19

KJV

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all [men]: and they counted the price of them, and found [it] fifty thousand [pieces] of silver.

KJV (with Strong's)

Many {G2425} of them also {G1161} which used {G4238} curious arts {G4021} brought {G4851} their books {G976} together {G4851}, and burned them {G2618} before {G1799} all {G3956} men: and {G2532} they counted {G4860} the price {G5092} of them {G846}, and {G2532} found {G2147} it fifty {G4002} thousand {G3461} pieces of silver {G694}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and a considerable number of those who had engaged in occult practices threw their scrolls in a pile and burned them in public. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, it came to fifty thousand drachmas.

Berean Standard Bible

And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books and burned them in front of everyone. When the value of the books was calculated, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.

American Standard Version

And not a few of them that practised magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all; and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:19 vividly illustrates the profound impact of the Gospel in Ephesus, where many who had practiced magic and occult arts publicly renounced their past by gathering and burning their valuable books of spells and incantations. This dramatic act of repentance, estimated to be worth an astonishing fifty thousand pieces of silver, served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of Christ and the radical commitment required of new believers to forsake all that conflicts with their new allegiance to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's remarkably effective and extended ministry in Ephesus, a period marked by extraordinary miracles and significant spiritual breakthroughs. Immediately preceding [Acts 19:19](/acts/19-19 "Acts 19:19 - Burning of Magical Books") are accounts of God performing "extraordinary miracles" through Paul, even to the point of handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul's body bringing healing and expelling evil spirits ([Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - Extraordinary Miracles Through Paul")). This divine power was starkly contrasted by the disastrous attempt of the seven sons of Sceva, itinerant Jewish exorcists, to invoke the name of Jesus without true faith. Their failed exorcism resulted in them being overpowered and humiliated by a demon, leading to widespread fear and a profound reverence for [the name of the Lord Jesus](/acts/19-17 "Acts 19:17 - The Power of Jesus' Name") throughout Ephesus. This incident, in particular, served as a catalyst, compelling many who had secretly practiced magic to openly confess their deeds and publicly renounce their former lives, culminating in the dramatic book burning described in [Acts 19:19](/acts/19-19 "Acts 19:19 - Public Renunciation of Magic").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in Asia Minor, renowned for its immense Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and its deep-seated association with magic, sorcery, and various occult practices. The city was a hub for diverse spiritual beliefs, including mystery cults, astrology, and the widespread use of "Ephesian letters" (charms or amulets inscribed with magical words believed to offer protection or power). Magic was not merely a fringe activity but an integral part of daily life and commerce, with practitioners often holding significant influence. The existence of numerous books detailing these "curious arts" (magic spells, incantations, astrological charts, and divination techniques) indicates a thriving industry around the occult. The immense value of the burned books—fifty thousand pieces of silver—underscores the pervasive nature and significant financial investment in these practices within Ephesian society, highlighting the radical nature of the converts' decision.

* **Key Themes:** [Acts 19:19](/acts/19-19 "Acts 19:19 - Radical Repentance in Ephesus") powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, it showcases **Radical Repentance and Renunciation**, demonstrating a profound and public turning away from sin. The burning of these valuable books was not a private decision but a visible, decisive declaration of new allegiance to Christ, signifying genuine sorrow for past deeds and a commitment to a transformed life. Secondly, the event highlights **The Power of the Gospel Over Darkness**. The destruction of these magical artifacts symbolizes the triumph of Christ's authority over spiritual darkness, idolatry, and all forms of occult power, proving the futility of relying on "curious arts" when faced with the true power of God. Finally, the significant cost involved—fifty thousand pieces of silver—emphasizes the **Cost of Discipleship**. This act illustrates that true faith often demands tangible sacrifices, requiring believers to abandon anything that conflicts with their commitment to Christ, regardless of its monetary or personal value, echoing Jesus' call to [count the cost](/luke/14-25-33 "Luke 14:25-33 - Counting the Cost of Discipleship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **curious arts (Greek, _períergos'_):** From G4021, meaning "working all around, i.e. officious (meddlesome, neuter plural magic)." In this context, it specifically refers to magical arts, sorcery, divination, and illicit or superstitious practices. It encapsulates forbidden knowledge and attempts to manipulate spiritual forces outside of God's will, often involving spells, charms, and occult rituals.
* **burned them (Greek, _katakaíō'_):** From G2618, meaning "to burn down (to the ground), i.e. consume wholly." This verb emphasizes the complete and irreversible destruction of the books, signifying a total break with their past practices. It implies not just disposal, but a public, emphatic renunciation that leaves no possibility of return to these "curious arts."
* **fifty thousand (Greek, _pénte myriás'_):** G4002 ("five") combined with G3461 ("a ten-thousand; by extension, a 'myriad' or indefinite number"). This phrase, when combined with "pieces of silver" (G694, _argýrion'_), indicates an enormous sum. If "pieces of silver" refers to denarii (a common daily wage), this would be equivalent to over 137 years of labor for a single person, underscoring the staggering financial investment these individuals had in their occult practices and, consequently, the immense sacrifice they made in renouncing them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Many of them also which used curious arts":** This clause highlights the specific group of people whose lives were transformed – those deeply entrenched in the occult practices of Ephesus. The phrase "used curious arts" (G4238 _prássō_ + G4021 _períergos_) indicates not just casual involvement, but a habitual, practiced engagement with magic and sorcery, suggesting these were integral to their identity and perhaps their livelihood. The word "many" (G2425 _hikanós_) implies a significant number, indicating a widespread spiritual awakening.
* **"brought their books together, and burned them before all [men]":** This describes the decisive and public act of repentance. "Books" (G976 _bíblos_) refers to scrolls or codices containing spells, incantations, astrological charts, and other magical formulas. The act of "bringing them together" (G4851 _symphérō_) signifies a collective, unified decision, while "burned them" (G2618 _katakaíō_) denotes complete destruction, leaving no possibility of returning to these practices. The phrase "before all [men]" (G1799 _enṓpion_ + G3956 _pâs_) emphasizes the public nature of this renunciation, serving as a powerful testimony to their conversion and a warning to others.
* **"and they counted the price of them, and found [it] fifty thousand [pieces] of silver":** This clause reveals the immense financial sacrifice involved. The act of "counting the price" (G4860 _sympsēphízō_ + G5092 _timḗ_) suggests a careful assessment of their value, underscoring the magnitude of their renunciation. The sum of "fifty thousand pieces of silver" (G4002 _pénte_ + G3461 _myriás_ + G694 _argýrion_) is staggering, indicating the depth of their former entanglement and the radical nature of their break with the past. This monetary value underscores the sincerity and costliness of their repentance.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes effective use of **Symbolism**, where the burning of the magical books represents a decisive and irreversible break with a sinful past and a public declaration of allegiance to Christ. The fire itself is a symbol of purification and destruction of evil. The sheer monetary value of the books, "fifty thousand pieces of silver," functions as **Hyperbole** or at least a powerful numerical emphasis, underscoring the magnitude of the sacrifice and the pervasive nature of occult practices in Ephesus. This quantitative detail serves to amplify the impact of the converts' repentance, making the act of renunciation all the more dramatic and memorable. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** between the impotent "curious arts" and the demonstrable, transforming power of the Gospel and the name of Jesus, as seen in the preceding verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:19 stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating that genuine conversion necessitates a radical break from practices and possessions that are antithetical to God's will. This public act of renunciation in Ephesus illustrates that true repentance is not merely an internal change of heart but often involves tangible, costly actions that demonstrate a new allegiance. It underscores the supremacy of Christ's authority over all spiritual forces, including those associated with magic and the occult, and serves as a blueprint for believers to identify and eliminate anything in their lives that hinders their walk with God or compromises their devotion to Him. The immense value of the burned books highlights the significant personal cost of discipleship, affirming that following Christ may require sacrificing what is highly esteemed in the world.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Prohibition of Occult Practices")
* [Luke 14:33](/luke/14-33 "Luke 14:33 - Renouncing Possessions for Discipleship")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The radical repentance displayed by the Ephesian believers in Acts 19:19 offers a profound challenge and model for contemporary discipleship. It compels us to honestly examine our own lives, asking what "curious arts" or idols, whether overt or subtle, we may be clinging to that hinder our full devotion to Christ. This could manifest as reliance on superstition, engagement with entertainment that glorifies evil, attachment to material possessions, or even habits and relationships that pull us away from God. True conversion and ongoing spiritual growth often necessitate a clear, decisive break from past sinful influences and a willingness to make costly sacrifices. This passage reminds us that genuine repentance produces "fruit in keeping with repentance" ([Luke 3:8](/luke/3-8 "Luke 3:8 - Fruits of Repentance")), demonstrating our commitment through tangible actions. The public nature of the Ephesians' act also underscores the importance of accountability and transparent commitment within the Christian community, encouraging us to be bold in our faith and to openly renounce anything that competes with Christ for our allegiance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "books" or practices in my life, though perhaps not overtly occult, might be hindering my full devotion to Christ and need to be "burned"?**
* **Am I willing to count the cost of discipleship, even if it means sacrificing things of significant personal or monetary value?**
* **How can I make my repentance and commitment to Christ more public and tangible, serving as a witness to others?**

### FAQ
**What were "curious arts" in Ephesus?**

Answer: In Ephesus, "curious arts" (Greek: _períerga_) referred to a wide range of magical practices, sorcery, divination, incantations, spells, and other occult activities. These were not merely superstitions but a deeply ingrained part of the culture, often involving specific books, rituals, and charms believed to manipulate spiritual forces or predict the future. The city was notorious for these practices, and the "Ephesian letters" were well-known magical symbols. The burning of these books in [Acts 19:19](/acts/19-19 "Acts 19:19 - Renunciation of Magic") signifies a complete break from this dark spiritual heritage.

**Why was the value of the books, "fifty thousand pieces of silver," so significant?**

Answer: The sum of "fifty thousand pieces of silver" (likely denarii, a Roman coin representing a day's wage) was an enormous amount, equivalent to over 137 years of a laborer's wages. This staggering figure highlights several key points: the widespread and lucrative nature of magic in Ephesus, the deep financial investment people had in these practices, and most importantly, the immense and costly sacrifice made by the new believers. Their willingness to destroy such valuable possessions demonstrated the sincerity and radical nature of their repentance and their commitment to Christ, prioritizing their new faith over material wealth ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")).

**What is the theological significance of burning the books rather than selling them?**

Answer: Burning the books, rather than selling them and donating the proceeds, carried profound theological significance. It symbolized a complete and irreversible renunciation of their past life and the "curious arts." Selling them, even for a good cause, might have implied that the practices themselves held some residual value or could be repurposed, or that the new believers were still deriving benefit from their past sins. Burning them demonstrated a total break, a public declaration that these practices were anathema and held no value in the light of Christ's supremacy. It was an act of purification and a powerful testimony to the absolute authority of Jesus over all spiritual darkness ([Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - Have No Fellowship with Works of Darkness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 19:19, while a historical account of radical repentance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The burning of the magical books in Ephesus powerfully foreshadows the definitive victory of Christ over all powers of darkness and sin. Just as these believers publicly renounced their former enslavement to "curious arts," so too does the Gospel call all humanity to turn from the dominion of sin and Satan to the liberating reign of Christ. Jesus, through His atoning death and resurrection, disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The immense value of the burned books signifies the costly nature of sin and the profound sacrifice required to be set free, yet it pales in comparison to the infinite cost of Christ's sacrifice, who paid the ultimate price to redeem us from the futility of our former ways ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood of Christ")). Thus, the Ephesian bonfire serves as a vivid illustration of the new creation in Christ, where old things pass away and all things become new ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), empowered by the One who is above every name and every power ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Exaltation and Authority")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 2:20

In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made [each one] for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;

Isaiah 2:21

To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Genesis 35:4

And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which [were] in their hand, and [all their] earrings which [were] in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which [was] by Shechem.

Acts 13:8

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

Deuteronomy 7:25

The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold [that is] on them, nor take [it] unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it [is] an abomination to the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 7:26

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: [but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it [is] a cursed thing.

Exodus 32:20

And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt [it] in the fire, and ground [it] to powder, and strawed [it] upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink [of it].