"The Power of the Name"

       "And many who had believe came confessing and telling their

        deeds, Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought 

             their books together and burned them in the sight of all."

                                          ACT 19 : 18-19 

The exorcisms that God brings about through theitems that have touched Paul's body are noticed by certain Jews who practice exorcism. Draw inspiration from the apostle's repeated success, seven sons of an otherwise unknown high priest named sceva (pronounced see-vah) attempt to drive out spirits by calling the name of Jesus over those who are demon- possessed. ""We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches,'" they say.

         However, as Dr. Simon kistemaker notes, "the term name signifies the person, words of Jesus, so that anyone who uses this name identifies completely with its bearer and  becomes a true representative. Therefore, unbelievers can never use the power of Jesus' name." Since they are not believers, the sons of Sceva use the name of Jesus presumptuously. The results are predictably catastrophic. One demon, completely unfazed, responds to their exorcism attempt by saying through the possessed man, "'Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?'" Unfortunately, they cannot answer that they are children of God, saved in Christ. There is no divine power flowing from Christ through them. So the demon-possessed man, filled with supernatural strength, leaps on the seven sons of Sceva, wounds then, and strips away their clothing. They barely escape with their lives.

         In marvelous demonstration of divine providence, God uses this event to advance the Gospel in Ephesus. Luke tells us that the incident becomes known to Jews and Gentiles all over the city, leading to a new respect and reverence for the name of Jesus furthermore, it has a profound effect on the new believers. Kistemaker notes that the practice of magic in Ephesus is so pervasive that even some who have come to Christ are still dabbling in it. But now, seeing the failure of magic as opposed to Paul's use of the name of Christ, they begin confessing their dark deeds. Some go even further, burning their books of incantations at great cost to themselves. And Luke notes "the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed." Kistemarker says that "in this succinct statement, Luke conveys the information that the church increased numerically and that the believers applied the message of the gospel to their daily conduct. They strengthened their faith, showed obedience to God's Word, and lived godly lives."