Name: Kida Nakamura
Bible Study Project: Interpretation Template
Passage: Acts 19:11-22
The passage in Acts 19:11-22 is a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and the
significance of faith in His power. The text describes how the apostle Paul
demonstrated God's power through healing people, casting out evil spirits, and
magnifying the name of the Lord Jesus. This passage indicates that God's power is
not limited to the spiritual realm but extends to the physical realm as well.
Furthermore, the passage highlights the importance of having faith in God's power.
Those who lacked faith and attempted to use the name of Jesus were unsuccessful,
while those who had faith could perform miracles and experience God's power. This
passage emphasizes that God's power is not something that can be manipulated or
controlled by humans; instead, it is a manifestation of His divine will and
purpose.
Ultimately, this passage serves as a reminder that God's power is available to
those who have faith in Him and are willing to surrender to His will. It shows
that God is faithful to those who trust Him, and His power is available to those
who seek Him with a pure heart and steadfast faith.
One theological principle derived from this passage is God's absolute sovereignty
and creative power. This principle asserts that God is the supreme and eternal
Creator who upholds all existence through His divine will. Everything in the
universe depends on Him for its existence and purpose. Recognizing and submitting
Summarize: Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (200-400
words), explain what you think the author is trying to communicate in this
passage. Remember two things. First, the focus of this summary is theological
and not narrative. In other words, your summary should highlight what this
passage communicates about who God is and what God is doing. Second, words
like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” are application words and not interpretation
words. Thus, they should not be used in your answer to this question.
Interpretation is about “then and there” and not “here and now.” We were not
there, so the passage is not about us. Our “part” in the passage is the
application or how we will respond to God’s Word.
Identify: Based on your answer above, describe one principle from this
passage. What is the one thing the whole thing is saying? You should be able
to express this principle in 1-3 sentences. As with the previous answer, this
principle should be theological and rooted in who God is and/or what God is
doing. Please remember that words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” are
application words and not interpretation words.
to God's authority is fundamental to understanding the theological framework
presented in this passage.
Acts 19:11-22 also provides an excellent example of God's sovereignty and power.
In this passage, we see that God's power is so great that even handkerchiefs and
aprons that had touched the Apostle Paul's skin could heal the sick and drive out
evil spirits.
Furthermore, we see that when people tried to use the name of Jesus for their own
selfish purposes, they were met with failure and even danger. This serves as a
reminder that God's sovereignty and power should never be taken lightly or treated
as a means to an end.
Ultimately, this passage highlights the importance of recognizing and submitting
to God's authority. By doing so, we can experience the transformative power of His
love and grace in our lives.
The theological principle of God's absolute sovereignty and creative power is a
fundamental concept in Christian theology, which finds its roots in the Holy
Scriptures. The Bible teaches that God is the ultimate authority, who has the
power to create and sustain all things. In the book of Genesis, we read that God
created the heavens and the earth out of nothing (Genesis 1:1 NIV), and throughout
the Bible, we see evidence of His sovereignty over all things.
One of the most prominent theologians who emphasized the sovereignty of God was
John Calvin. In his "Institutes of the Christian Religion," Calvin expounds on the
concept of God's sovereignty and creative power. He argues that God is the
ultimate cause of all things and that nothing happens apart from His divine will.
Calvin's theological framework aligns with the interpretation of the passage,
emphasizing the absolute sovereignty of God as the foundation of all existence. He
writes, "All events at last have their issues in the counsel of God. ... We hold
that the will of God is the chief and principal cause of all things."
The Apostle Paul also affirms God's sovereignty in his letter to Romans 11:36
(NIV), stating "For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be
the glory forever! Amen.” This verse emphasizes that God is not only the
originator of all things but also the sustainer and ultimate purpose of all
things.
Check: Consult at least one scholarly resource to support the theological
principle you believe the passage is teaching. In 1-2 paragraphs (200-400
words), quote, properly cite, and interact with this scholarly resource to
demonstrate that it supports your theological and interpretive conclusion.
In conclusion, the theological principle of God's sovereignty and creative power
is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, supported by both theological
sources and the Holy Scriptures. The teachings of John Calvin and the Apostle Paul
align with the interpretation of the passage, emphasizing the absolute sovereignty
of God as the foundation of all existence.
REFERENCE:
Calvin, J., & Beveridge, H. (1953). Institutes of the Christian religion:
Translated by Henry Beveridge.
Genesis 1:1 (NIV). (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=Genesis+1%3A1&version=NIV
Romans 11:36 (NIV). (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=Romans%2011%3A36&version=NIV
