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"And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds," etc. (ver. 18, 19). This text proves the power of the gospel in the conversion of these "exorcists." The gospel is the greatest power on earth. The gospel alone acts on the heart to change it and renew the man after the image of God. And this is accomplished without any earthly weapon.

I. THE NATURE OF CONVERSION. It is not conviction. A man may be convinced and yet carry his "bosom sin" with him unto the end of life; but conversion implies an inward change, so that sin is cast away as our most bitter enemy. Conversion does not change the original faculties of the soul. Whether a man be of a sanguine nature, or cool and calculative, it does not change Otis, but sanctifies the whole man for the service of Christ. Balaam was convinced but not converted.

II. THE SIGNS OF TRUE CONVERSION. Anxious people often ask, "How can I know that I am converted?" Our Saviour answers this, "By their fruits ye shall know them."

1. By a spirit of prayerfulness. Christ said of Saul, after his conversion, "Behold he prayeth."

2. By joining in Christian fellowship. "Like seeks like," "similar natures meet." If a man is converted he will seek the fellowship of Christians.

(3) By forsaking evil ways. These exorcists rejoiced to see the "books" which had been a snare and a curse to them destroyed by the flames. The things which were "gain" to them they "counted loss for Christ."(4) By delight in God's Word.

III. THE NECESSITY OF CONVERSION. It is necessary —

1. In order to be happy.

2. In order to be useful in Christ's vineyard.

3. In order to attain heaven at last.

(F. Samuel.)

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KJV: And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

WEB: Many also of those who had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds.