But some of them [listening to Paul] became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. Acts 19:9

For two weeks, we’ve been examining what it means to have spiritual authority as well as how to exercise it. Since Jesus has shared this authority with us, it’s not too much of a stretch to suggest we’re being disobedient if we’re not using this authority. We should be pushing back on the negative forces we encounter. But could there be times when God leads us away from confronting the darkness to, instead, using our spiritual authority to teach, preach, and minister to the needs of a more receptive audience? 

In Acts 19, we read of God working “extraordinary miracles” through Paul’s two years in Ephesus. “All the Jews and Greeks who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord. Illnesses [were] cured and evil spirits left” afflicted people (vs.10-11). But let’s look at what occurred before such success.

Entering Ephesus for the first time, Paul immediately ministers to a small group of believers (vs.1-7), then turns to what could be a negatively spiritually-charged environment. He “entered the synagogue” (v.8). Preaching to a solely Jewish audience, Paul likely expects spiritual opposition. It doesn’t happen immediately, though, as he “speaks boldly” and “argues persuasively” (v.8) for three months. 

But watch; here it comes: “some became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way” (v.9). “Obstinate” and “refuse” indicate a willful determination not to believe. Could that be the influence of evil spirits? It’s certainly opposition. What do you think Paul, armed with spiritual authority, did? Speak against and bind those dark forces? Argue more convincingly? Perform a miracle or two? None of the above. 

So Paul left them (v.9b).

Sometimes, that will have to be our decision, too, when our kindness, our witnessing, our good works in Jesus’ name are met with hostility. Here’s some good news, though. 

Opposition can mean opportunity. 

Don’t be afraid to start over. Paul left the synagogue for the lecture hall (v.9b), and his two years’ worth of daily discussions there resulted in widespread dissemination of the Word, in healing, and in casting out evil spirits (vs.10-11). The “name of Jesus [was] held in such high honor” in Ephesus that even believers “confessed openly their evil deeds” and, at great personal expense, walked away from sinful practices (vs.17-19). 

Because Paul left an openly antagonistic situation, “the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power” (v.20). 

Have you faced willful opposition to something you were doing for the Lord? Don’t be afraid to change course, adopt a different strategy, even vacate the premises if you sense God leading you away from the opposition. A more receptive audience may be just around the corner.