Acts 19:13

Translations

Modern

Now there were some itinerant Jewish exorcists who tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits. They would say, “I command you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.”

Traditional

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Literal

And some of the itinerant Jews, exorcists, also attempted to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those having evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.”

Latin

Tentaverunt autem quidam et de circumeuntibus Judæis exorcistis invocare super eos qui habebant spiritus malos nomen Domini Jesu, dicentes: Adjuro vos per Jesum, quem Paulus prædicat.

Original

Greek

English

Now there were some itinerant Jewish exorcists who tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits. They would say, “I command you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.”

Notes

Acts 19:13–16

Paul’s ministry was effective, but the traveling Jewish exorcists (people who try to drive out evil spirits) had no real power. They used the name of Jesus as if it were a magic word. However, they did not have a personal relationship with him or the indwelling Holy Spirit (God’s Spirit living in believers).

This contrast shows the difference between true faith and empty practice (compare Matthew 12:27; Mark 9:38–39; Luke 9:49–50; 11:19).

Acts 18:23–19:41

This section describes Paul's third mission journey, which happened around AD 53 to 57. Paul visited Galatia and Phrygia again to build stronger relationships with the disciples (18:23). He then traveled to Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years (19:1, 8–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Ephesus Paul (Saul)

Events

Related verses

Matthew 12:27
And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.
Mark 9:38
John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”
Luke 11:19
And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.
Acts 8:18–19
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.
Mark 5:7
And he shouted in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You before God not to torture me!”
Luke 9:49
“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”
1 Kings 22:16
But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?”
Matthew 26:63
But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.”
Joshua 6:26
At that time Joshua invoked this solemn oath: “Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho; at the cost of his firstborn he will lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates.”
1 Samuel 14:24
Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food.
Genesis 4:12
When you till the ground, it will no longer yield its produce to you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.”
Genesis 4:14
Behold, this day You have driven me from the face of the earth, and from Your face I will be hidden; I will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles, author of many NT epistles

Glossary

Asiarch Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Demon Demon-Possession Exorcism, Exorcist First Letter to the Corinthians Followers of the Way Letter to the Colossians Letter to the Ephesians Magic Paul the Apostle Philippians, Letter to the The Way Timothy, First Letter to Travel

Topics

Demons: Sceva's Sons Exorcise Ephesus: Sceva's Sons Attempt to Expel a Demon In Jesus, the Christ: |In his Name|: Miracles Performed Miracles: Convincing Effect of Paul: Rebukes the Exorcists Presumption: Sons of Sceva Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Sceva: A Charlatan Jewish |Exorcist| at Ephesus Sorcery: Practiced by Charlatan Jews Superstition: The Ephesians, in Their Sorceries

Acts 19:13

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