Acts 19:15

Translations

Modern

But one day the evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”

Traditional

And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

Literal

But the evil spirit, answering, said to them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about; but you, who are you?”

Latin

Respondens autem spiritus nequam dixit eis: Jesum novi, et Paulum scio: vos autem qui estis?

Original

Greek

English

But one day the evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”

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

Acts 16:17–18
This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!”
Mark 5:9–13
“What is your name?” Jesus asked. “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”
Luke 4:33–35
In the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon. He cried out in a loud voice,
Mark 1:34
And He healed many who were ill with various diseases and drove out many demons. But He would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.
Mark 1:24
“What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
Matthew 8:29–31
“What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
Luke 8:28–32
When the man saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him, shouting in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You not to torture me!”
Genesis 3:1–5
Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”
1 Kings 22:21–23
Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD.

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world 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-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 The Way Timothy, First Letter to Travel

Topics

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

Acts 19:15

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