We noted last week that the burning of books has a long history, and has particularly been associated with protest or disapproval of religious movements. We concluded such an action to be unwise at best, and perhaps sinful at worst. Burning books is a sure way to burn bridges of communication, and results in the perpetuation of hate rather than the pursuit of peace. This form of burning books has no place in the Christian’s activities.
That said, I do not want you to conclude that all book burning is wrong. Acts 19 tells of Jewish exorcists who, having heard of the works of Paul, decided it would be a good idea to proclaim Jesus’ name in their own efforts. In the text, we’re told of seven sons of Sceva, a chief priest. Their attempt to tap into the power of Jesus’ name turned bad for them, as they were attacked by the demonized man (Acts 19:13-16).
The record continues:
This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. (Acts 19:17-20)
Now, what made this book burning OK, but that which we spoke of last week wrong? It comes down to the who, what and why of the situation.
Who Burned The Books?
Those who were burning books on this occasion did not go out and buy copies of some book, just so they could have a copy to burn; they didn’t take books that belong to someone else and set those ablaze. They “brought their books.” All the books in this fire were from the bookshelves of those who threw them into the fire.
What Did They Burn?
As was just indicated, they burned their own books. it should go without saying that these were books they no longer wanted. In particular, we are told that the books were associated with “curious arts” (KJV) or “magic” (NKJV). Some of the Christians in Ephesus had once been involved in magical arts of some form or another; so much so that they had books on the topic. Books were not as affordable or available in the first century as they are today. These folks had put out a lot of meony to acquire these volumes which they set on fire.
Gr. περίεργος
working all around, ie. officious (meddlesome, neuter plural magic); – busybody, curious arts. (Strong’s)
Why Did They Burn?
The whole event seems to have started with the sons of Sceva. Claiming to be something they were not, they suffered the consequences. This brought fear among the people. Thus
…many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. (Acts 19:18)
Though they had obeyed the gospel, having been added to the Lord, they had not turned away from all their wickedness. Whether they were still active in their magic, we are not told, but when the looked at the books in their home, they knew these were inconsistent with their claim to be followers of Christ.
So, what should they do with these books? It may have crossed their mind to sell them, but that was not a viable option. If the books were a violation of their conscience – if they were something to be left
behind, should they profit from their disposal? And what of the new owner? How could a Christian, in good conscience sell that which he deems to be sinful to another? Would he not be encouraging the new owner to engage in sin? So, what should be done with these books? It made sense to the people to dispose of them in such a way that they could never again be used to draw people away from the God of heaven.
The Ephesian book burning served to bolster their faith. The will of God grew mightily among them and prevailed in their hearts. Rather than clinging to the sins of the past, they destroyed the opportunity to return to it. What a statement of their commitment and determination to walk after Jesus Christ alone.
Consider also the effect their resolve would have on others. This served as evidence that they were serious about the commitment they made to Jesus. Serving the Lord was not just a hobby – it was a life change.
Is there somethig in your life that is standing in the way of you serving the Lord faithfully? Have you kept some momentums from you days of walking in sin and disobedience to the will of God? If so, then it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a “burning”. I know of a brother who was a huge music buff, but found his preoccupation with music was im-peding his walk with the Lord. He could have sold his collection of cassettes and CDs, but rather than passing his obsession on to another, he chose to destroy them.
It was Terry Jones’ plan to have a Qur’an burning that prompted our article last week. If a former Muslim wanted to burn copies of the Qur’an he had in his home, I would encourage him to do so. If it represents a temptation, then it needs to be cast off. To the best of my knowledge, Jones is not a former Muslim. His plan was not to remove a stumblingblock from his life. That was the purpose of book burning recorded in Acts 19.
Want to burn books, shoot holes in CDs, expell electronics, or any number of other purging activities? Go ahead if the purpose is to get a stumblingblock out of your life. It will increase your faith and that of those who are around you. If the purpose is to anger someone, then put your matches away, empty the pellets out of your gun, and learn what godly love is.
Links: YouVersion | GROW magazine
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