Why was the value of the books burned given?
Question:
I have a question concerning Acts 19:19-20
"Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed."
I think I understand why the burning of the books of magic. But why count up the value and tell the value? Not sure I get that point? Would you please help me with this one?
Answer:
The value answers the potential detractors who would claim it was only a few books or that they were just worn out books they couldn't have sold anyway. The Scriptures don't really say who did the counting. Due to the impact, it is likely that it was the crowd watching the event in amazement who estimated what these "crazy" Christians were destroying.
