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Issue link: http://magazine.kcm.org/i/617274
"Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord." Notice the words “the hand of the Lord.” When you see that phrase, it speaks of God’s power as expressed in judgment or in blessings. In this passage, God’s power is expressed in blessings. The Church was under heavy persecution, but the hand of the Lord was with them. As a result, “a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” This was an expression of judgment against their adversaries, but a manifestation of blessing to God’s people. Now, look at Acts 13:6-11: "And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand." You can see that when the hand of the Lord came on the apostles, His blessing was manifest. When it came on the enemy of righteousness, His judgment was manifest. Barjesus was full of deceit. He was a fraud. He wasn’t what he appeared to be. He considered himself a prophet, but Paul denounced him and called him an enemy of righteousness. This man twisted and perverted God’s Word, until finally, Paul, by the direction of the Holy Ghost, declared, “The hand of the Lord is upon thee.” I’ve never prayed that against an adversary! Have you? If I’m not doing something scriptural and a New Testament principle, I’m certainly not going to get God’s best or reach the next level. But since the Apostle Paul did this, apparently it’s something that can be done by New Testament believers, as well. Notice that the hand of the Lord came on Satan’s vessel, and it silenced and defeated him. I believe the Spirit of God wants us to practice this in our own prayer lives. Exodus 3:19-22 says: "And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty. But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians." 18 : BVOV