Reasoning, Refutations and ripoffs.
It looks like the message has gone ahead, but not in completeness. Apollos and others in Ephesus don't have the full story yet. And this happens with us too. Our exposure to the grace and truth of the Lord Jesus Christ sometimes unfolds through the help of different people along the path. "one sows, another waters, and God gives the increase". These hearts are prepared by God to receive His full counsel by Priscilla and Aquilla, and Paul. The baptism of John was a baptism of repentance and preparation for devout people who are seeking God.
Paul writes later to the Corinthians - "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God". Part of the role of showing Christ to the world is rebuttal of bad arguments, and refutation of wrong ideas about God by declaring the truth. This may not be palatable to some people who are not prepared of heart to hear this. But Paul preaches boldly anyhow.
The counterfeit claims of the jewish exorcists stand in contrast to the true persuading power of the truth.
And this exposure by evil spirits lead to people having even more fear and reverence for the name of the Lord Jesus, bringing about even deeper repentance as they realised the spiritual depth of the purifying that they needed.
On reflection, knowing the fear of the Lord do I know how to persuade men (2Cor5)? Am i assured and in stewardship of the truth in its completeness? Do I boldly proclaim what is right and Holy about God and what is wretched and filthy about men? Or am I mouthing counterfeit words that I don't understand, nor recognise the source of their power.
Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his Word;
in God my Savior shall my heart rejoice.
2 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
his mercy sure, from age to age the same;
his holy name, the Lord, the Mighty One.
3 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
4 Tell out, my soul, the glories of his Word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
to children's children and forevermore!
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