BIBLE STUDY PROJECT INTERPRETATION
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Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
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Name: Kimberly Mosley
BIBLE STUDY PROJECT: INTERPRETATION Passage: Acts 19:11-22
A.
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 for 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.
The passage in Acts 19:11-22 vividly showcases the immense power of God and underscores the vital role of faith in experiencing His miracles. It portrays how Paul, through his unwavering faith and reliance on God, performed extraordinary feats like healing the sick and casting out demons in the name of Jesus. This narrative emphasizes that God's power isn't confined to the spiritual realm alone but extends into our physical world.
Moreover, it underscores the critical importance of genuine faith. Those who tried to mimic Paul's actions without true belief found themselves powerless against the forces they faced. Conversely, those who embraced faith experienced the incredible might of
God working through them. The passage serves as a poignant reminder that human efforts alone cannot manipulate or harness God's power; it flows according to His divine purpose.
In essence, Acts 19:11-22 highlights God's faithfulness to those who wholeheartedly trust
Him. It encourages us to approach Him with sincere faith and surrender, knowing that His power is readily available to those who seek Him with genuine hearts and unwavering belief.
B.
Identify: Based on your answer above, write out 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.
This passage highlights a key theological principle: God's absolute sovereignty and creative power. It emphasizes that God is not only the supreme Creator but also the sustainer of all existence. Everything in the universe finds its purpose and being in Him. Acknowledging and yielding to God's authority lies at the heart of the theological message conveyed here.
Acts 19:11-22 vividly illustrates this principle through the remarkable demonstrations of God's power. Even items like handkerchiefs and aprons that had merely touched Paul carried healing power, showcasing the extent of God's sovereignty. Moreover, the passage warns against attempting to manipulate God's power for personal gain, as such endeavors result in failure and peril.
Ultimately, this passage underscores the significance of recognizing and submitting to God's authority. By aligning ourselves with His will, we open ourselves to experience His transformative love and grace. It reminds us that God's power is not a tool to be exploited but a divine force to be revered and surrendered to in humility and faith.
C.
Check: Consult at least one scholarly resource to offer support for the theological
principle that 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.
You must consult the “Commentaries” and the “Bible Dictionaries & Handbooks” tab
found on the research guide provided by the Jerry Falwell Library to access the approved
academic and scholarly resources. These resources are the only approved resources.
Using unapproved resources may result in a score of “0” for this assignment. The
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research guide can be found by following the link on the Bible Study Project:
Interpretation Assignment under Bible Study Project: Interpretation Resource.
The theological principle of God's absolute sovereignty and creative power is indeed foundational in Christian theology, as evidenced by both biblical texts and theological reflections. A scholarly resource that supports this principle is "Systematic Theology" by Wayne Grudem. Grudem, in his comprehensive work, delves into the attributes of God, including His sovereignty and creative power. He emphasizes that God's sovereignty means that He "has the right and power to do whatever He pleases" (Grudem, 1994, p. 267). This sovereignty extends not only to God's control over creation but also to His control over human history and individual lives.
Grudem further elucidates that God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility or
freedom but rather encompasses them within His divine plan. He writes, "Our choices are
made freely, but God’s eternal decree determines that those choices will occur" (Grudem,
1994, p. 316). This perspective aligns with the interpretation of Acts 19:11-22, where God's sovereign power is demonstrated through miraculous acts performed by Paul. These miracles underscore God's authority over both the physical and spiritual realms.
In light of Grudem's theological insights and the biblical text, it becomes evident that the passage in Acts underscores the foundational truth of God's absolute sovereignty and creative power. This principle not only resonates with biblical teachings but also finds
support in theological reflections that emphasize the supremacy of God's will and authority.
References:
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