THE BURNING OF THE MAGIC SCROLLS in Ephesus is a famous event from the Bible in Acts 19:19. New Christian converts publicly burned their costly books of sorcery. They were worth a fortune. This proved their true change of heart, broke ties with their old occult habits and showed the supreme power of Jesus over local witchcraft. Ancient Ephesus was famous for magic, secret formulas and charms. The giant Temple of Artemis drew people who bought magic spells and good-luck items. During Paul's ministry, fear and respect for Jesus spread rapidly among both Jews and Greeks in the city, prompting the massive public book burning.