Exorcisms and the Name of Jesus in Acts 19
Exorcisms and the Name of Jesus in Acts 19
The incident in Acts 19:13-20 involves "wandering Jews, exorcists" who attempt to use the name of Jesus to cast out evil spirits, mirroring the apostle Paul's successful exorcisms [2]. The passage reads, "I adjure you, by Jesus whom Paul proclaimeth!" [2]. This event occurs in Ephesus, a city known for its magical practices.
The practice of exorcism was not new; Jewish exorcists were known to invoke divine names to expel demons. The use of Jesus' name by these "vagabond Jews" suggests they recognized the power associated with it, even if they didn't necessarily understand or believe in Jesus [1]. The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge notes that the practice of exorcism among Jews is referenced in various biblical passages, including Matthew 12:27 and Luke 9:49-50 [3].
The key issue here is the legitimacy and efficacy of invoking Jesus' name without a genuine relationship with Him. The seven sons of Sceva, who attempt this, are overpowered by the evil spirit, leading to a public demonstration of the superiority of Paul's ministry and, by extension, the name of Jesus [6]. This event results in the magnification of the Lord Jesus, as the people of Ephesus come to reverence His name and abandon their magical practices [4, 5].
The contrast between Paul's effective use of Jesus' name and the failure of the vagabond exorcists highlights the difference between genuine faith and superficial invocation. According to Adam Clarke, the primitive Church frequently practiced exorcisms using the name of Jesus, underscoring the significance of this name in early Christian practice [4]. The incident in Acts 19 serves as a caution against attempting to harness spiritual power without true devotion or understanding.
The aftermath of this event sees many converts burning their magical books, indicating a significant shift away from their previous practices. This response demonstrates the impact of the apostolic ministry and the name of Jesus on the Ephesian community [5]. The episode in Acts 19 thus reinforces the authority of Jesus' name and the importance of authentic faith in its use.
The historical context of Ephesus, with its strong magical and superstitious elements, provides a backdrop for understanding the significance of this event. The use of Jesus' name by Jewish exorcists, though unsuccessful in this instance, reflects the broader Jewish tradition of invoking divine names for exorcistic purposes [1]. The narrative in Acts 19 underscores the unique power and reverence associated with Jesus' name in the early Christian era.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Exorcist — (Acts 19:13). "In that sceptical and therefore superstitious age professional exorcist abounded. Many of these professional exorcists were disreputable Jews, like Simon in Samaria and Elymas in Cyprus (8:9; 13:6)." Other references to exorcism as practised by the Jews are found in Matt. 12:27; Mark 9:38; Luke 9:49, 50. It would seem that it was an opinion among the Jews that miracles might be wrought by invoking the divine name. Thus also these "vagabond Jews" pretended that they could expel daemons. The power of casting out devils was conferred by Christ ”
- Acts “Acts 19:13 (Rotherham) — But certain also of the wandering Jews, exorcists, took in hand to be naming, over them that had the wicked spirits, the name of the Lord Jesus, saying—I adjure you, by Jesus whom Paul proclaimeth!”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Acts 19:19 cross-references: Genesis 35:4, Exodus 7:11, Exodus 7:22, Exodus 32:20, Leviticus 13:52, Deuteronomy 7:25, Deuteronomy 18:10, 1 Samuel 28:7, 1 Chronicles 10:13, 2 Chronicles 33:6, Isaiah 2:20, Isaiah 8:19, Isaiah 30:22, Isaiah 47:12, Daniel 2:2, Matthew 5:29, Luke 14:33, Acts 8:9, Acts 13:6, Acts 13:8, Hebrews 10:34”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 19:17: The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified - They saw that there was a sovereign power in the name of Jesus, which could not be imitated by these lying exorcists: they therefore reverenced this name, and despised those pretenders. Exorcisms or adjurations of evil spirits were very frequent in the primitive Church: the name of Jesus was that alone which was used. The primitive fathers speak strong and decisive words concerning the power of this name; and how demons were tormented and expelled by it, not only from individuals, but from the temples themselves. Exorcists f”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 19:17: 19:17-19 The contrast between Paul and the Jewish exorcists was not lost on the people of Ephesus, Jews and Greeks alike. The resulting fear caused the inhabitants to honor and respect the name of the Lord Jesus. It led many to confess and forsake their sinful practices, including sorcery.”
- Acts (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Acts 19:11: Then certain of the vagabond Jews,.... Who strolled about from place to place, pretending to tell fortunes, cure diseases by charms, and dispossess devils by conjuration, and therefore are called as follows, exorcists; such there were among the Jews, as Justin Martyr observes (h), who adjured by the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: these took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits, the name of the Lord Jesus; they imitated the Apostle Paul, and attempted to do as he did, using the same: name; hoping to get money or applause, or both, in this way; and i”