Keraia
Acts 19

Acts 19:14

Seven Sons of Sceva · Acts 19:13–20
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Translations

Modern
Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
Traditional
And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
Literal
Now seven sons of a certain Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this.
Latin
Erant autem quidam Judæi, Scevæ principis sacerdotum septem filii, qui hoc faciebant.

Original

Greek
English
Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

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

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Sceva: Jewish chief priest whose seven sons attempted to exorcise demons

Glossary

Asiarch Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Demon-Possession 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 Sceva The Way Timothy, First Letter to Travel

Topics

Demons: Sceva's Sons Exorcise Ephesus: Sceva's Sons Attempt to Expel a Demon In 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 Sons of Sceva Superstition: The Ephesians, in Their Sorceries