Justin Houtz

Leviticus 18, Acts 19

DateVersionReading Plan
April 18, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Leviticus 18

Observation

The LORD spoke to Moses to speak to the people that they were neither to follow the statutes of Egypt from which they came nor the statutes of Canaan to which they were going (Lev. 18:1-3). They were to follow the LORD’s rules and statutes and live by them, He is the LORD their God (Lev. 18:4-5). Lev 18:6-18 then give laws forbidding the uncovering of nakedness through “incestuous relationships and sexual relationships with other close relatives, whether related by blood or marriage.” (FSB). Additional sexual activities were declared unclean and abominations including adultery, homosexuality, bestiality, and sexual contact with a menstruating woman (Lev. 18:19-23). Included in these is the prohibition of child sacrifice to the pagan god, Molech (Lev. 18:21). According to the FSB, “The commandment in v. 21 that the Israelites should not offer their children as sacrifices to Molech appears to be a parenthetical thought, but it fits the general context describing Canaanite practices that Israel should avoid.”

The remaining verses (Lev. 18:24-30) provide the “why” of these statutes. They were to be followed by God’s people so as not to make themselves unclean as did the other nations who incurred God’s punishment and were vomited out. The BBC provides helpful insight regarding this section:

The Canaanites were a graphic illustration of the degradation that idolatry produces (vv. 24–27). When the children of Israel took possession of the land, they killed thousands of these people at Jehovah’s command. When we consider the moral degradation of the Canaanites, as described in verses 24–30, we can understand why God dealt so harshly with them.

Application

In the provision of God’s statutes to the people and the reason for their giving, we see a sharp distinction between the manner of life among the Godly and the other nations. A faithful walk with the LORD will inevitably look vastly different from the rest of the world. In our obedience to God’s Word, there will be refrain among the saints from that which the world considers permissible as well as active engagement in things that will seem as alien to the unregenerate. Abrasion with the world is to be expected and this, not from a place of self-righteousness, but with an earnest motivation that others may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven.

Acts 19

Observation

Several events are depicted in this chapter, but it was those surrounding the disastrous attempt of exorcism by the seven sons of Sceva that was particularly striking (Acts 19:13-20). The spirit in the man leapt on the itinerant Jewish exorcists, overpowering them and they fled out of the house naked and wounded. This became known to all residents of Ephesus, both Jew and Greek, and fear fell upon them all. As a result, many became believers and confessed and divulged their practices. Those among them who had practiced magic arts brought their books together (valued at fifty thousand pieces of silver) and burned them in the sight of all.

Application

With the seven sons of Sceva, we see a profound instance in which God uses a terrible situation to bring about repentance and faith in Himself. It involved wrongdoers and a man possessed with an evil spirit, but God worked in this to foster faith among many as well as a mighty increase of His Word. All praise be to our God who is able to turn the worst of circumstances into a glorious display of His goodness and power.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You have given by Your Word the means by which Your children can strive to walk in joyful obedience. Lord, help us to do this well and that Your name would be made known. Father, how awesome is Your power and sufficient Your grace to bring light to this darkened world.

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