Which statement best describes the reason for turning away from occult practices in Ephesus?

• A. They burned their books to show they had turned to God.
• B. They hid them from others.
• C. They donated them to the temple.
• D. They kept them but stopped using them.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that true turning away from occult practices is shown by a decisive, public renunciation of the old way of life. In this situation, the people demonstrate repentance not by hiding or simply ceasing to use the books, but by destroying the very means of their former magic—burning the occult books publicly. This act communicates a wholehearted commitment to following God and a clear break from the practices they once relied on. It removes temptation and sends a strong message to others that they have forsaken occult arts for Christ.

Hiding the books, donating them, or keeping them but stopping their use would not express that same complete renunciation. They would still retain physical remnants of their former life or allow temptation to remain, whereas burning them shows they now value their new direction more than anything connected with their past.