Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Acts: Chapter 19]
refused to go back (1Co 16:12). Paul doubtless had helpers like
Epaphras and Philemon who carried the message over the province
of Asia, Tychicus, and Trophimus of Asia who were with him on the
last visit to Jerusalem (verses 22,29; 20:4). Paul's message
reached Greeks, not merely Hellenists and God-fearers, but some
of the Greeks in the upper circles of life in Ephesus.
19:11 {Special miracles} (\dunameis ou tas tuchousas\). "Powers
not the ones that happen by chance," "not the ordinary ones,"
litotes for "the extraordinary." All "miracles" or "powers"
(\dunameis\) are supernatural and out of the ordinary, but here
God regularly wrought (\epoiei\), imperfect active) wonders
beyond those familiar to the disciples and completely different
from the deeds of the Jewish exorcists. This phrase is peculiar
to Luke in the N.T. (also 28:2), but it occurs in the classical
Greek and in the _Koin•_ as in III Macc. 3:7 and in papyri and
inscriptions (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, p. 255). In Samaria
Philip wrought miracles to deliver the people from the influence
of Simon Magus. Here in Ephesus exorcists and other magicians had
built an enormous vogue of a false spiritualism and Paul faces
unseen forces of evil. His tremendous success led some people to
superstitious practices thinking that there was power in Paul's
person.
19:12 {Handkerchiefs} (\soudaria\). Latin word for \sudor\
(sweat). Used in Lu 19:20; Joh 11:44; 20:7. In two papyri
marriage-contracts this word occurs among the toilet articles in
the dowry (Deissmann, _Bible Studies_, p. 223). {Aprons}
(\simikinthia\). Latin word also, _semicinctilum_ (\semi,
cingo\). Only here in the N.T. Linen aprons used by servants or
artisans (Martial XIV. 153). Paul did manual work at Ephesus
(20:34) and so wore these aprons. {Departed} (\apallalsethai\).
Present passive infinitive with \h•ste\ for actual result as in
verse 10. If one wonders how God could honour such
superstitious faith, he should remember that there is no power in
superstition or in magic, but in God. If God never honoured any
faith save that entirely free from superstition, how about
Christian people who are troubled over the number 13, over the
moon, the rabbit's foot? The poor woman with an issue of blood
touched the hem of Christ's garment and was healed (Lu 8:44-46)
as others sought to do (Mt 14:36). God condescends to meet us
in our ignorance and weakness where he can reach us. Elisha had a
notion that some of the power of Elijah resided in his mantle
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