ETB Acts 19:11-20

Session 9 p.82 Motives

Put WWJD on board

What do these letters “WWJD” mean?

How can that be helpful? (Remember’s of Christ and His calling upon us are good.)

How can this be misleading? (If you do not “know” Jesus, then your perspective on His motives and actions will be incorrect.)

Which is more important—the what we do or the why we do it?

What guidelines help you determine how and why you do something?

I think you can tell from the title of the lesson this week which one the writer believes is more important. I know that you can sin with action and/or motive, so both are equally important to watch, check, and if necessary, confess over.

Understand the Context

Last week our lesson ended with Paul on his way back to Antioch at the end of his second missionary journey.

Paul informed the Antioch church that God had worked in many ways during his time on the road. Paul was soon ready for his next journey to Asia Minor, along the same path he and Silas had used early on.

Paul’s first stops were Galatia and Phrygia, where he supported and encouraged the disciples. The journey toward Ephesus took Paul to the Cilician gates, where he visited the churches in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch. [LifeWay Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2024]

Eventually he made it back to Ephesus, just as he promised if God would allow.

In Ephesus, Paul preached regularly in the synagogue for three months, but he was not without opposition. Some Jews began to criticize Paul’s words and slander the gospel. Eventually, Paul found a new place to speak—the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This arrangement continued for two years. Paul then began to consider new locations for the spread of the gospel.

As a city, Ephesus was filled with magicians and sorcerers, including some with Jewish backgrounds. Many magicians used spells and incantations written on the valuable scrolls. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

All of this pagan and occultic culture seeped into other religions as well. These penetrating philosophies and fantasies are still a threat today so we can learn a lot from today’s passage as we see how God overcomes these influences through Paul and the other believers in Ephesus.

Explore the Text

Acts 19:11–12 ESV

11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.

extraordinary miracles

NLT has “unusual miracles”.

Acts: An Expositional Commentary Did Paul’s Strategy Work?

The miracles were not done first to attract people, which is what some are saying should be done today. Rather, the preaching of the Word came first, God blessed the Word, and then the miracles followed—in this case through Paul, as God authenticated his message

These were not typical for God’s way of displaying His power, but it may have been a necessary change to grab the attention of the Ephesians who were steeped in occultic practices.

Miracles by definition and not “ordinary” occurences, so these miracles were even more unusual. The example the Luke gives seems fairly ‘benign’ to us because we have read the rest of Scripture and know how God and Jesus did thing “ex nihlo” out of nothing, whereas what Luke describes could be seen as “transference.” But for those in Ephesus who had not read the rest of God’s word and only had seen acts of powerlessness like in Luke next example, for true healing to take place without the person being present was in deed “miraculous.” Luke reiterates right up front that it is God who is doing the wondrous works and Paul is merely one of the conduits.

by the hands of Paul

Although some of the miracles recorded being done by Paul included direct physical contact, this phrase also included the indirect workings through Paul’s ministry. An example of this vicarious blessing is then given.

handkerchiefs or aprons

There was as much Holy Power in these articles of cloth as there was in Jesus’s tassel the hemorrhaging woman touched; absolutely none. It was the faith, however little of it there was, that in going and getting the cloth, or just touching the tassel, would be enough for God to use to heal. This was enough for God to act in His mercy and grace through their conduit of choice.

diseases left them and the evil spirits came out

Part of the extra ordinary nature of the miracles was the vast array of diseases and spirits that were alleviated. Other places in Scripture, including Luke’s gospel, this word for diseases usually has the qualifier “various” or “all.” Luke uses this word again as distinction of all the physical ailments that God heals in contrast to all the more spiritual or even demonic ones.

In addition to healing the sick, God used Paul to exorcise demons. Given the powerful hold Satan had on the city through idolatry and magic, casting out demons revealed an incredible shift in spiritual power in Ephesus. Later, John would write that Christ living in us is greater than all of Satan’s power and influence in the world (1 John 4:4). [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Transition: Paul’s ministry was causing quite a stir in the city. It was also inspiring to a lot of imitators trying to make a name for themselves. Luke shared how that worked out for one group of false prophets.

Acts 19:13–16 ESV

13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

itinerant Jewish exorcists

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised III. Postbiblical Judaism

References to Jewish exorcists are found within the NT (Mk. 9:38f par Lk. 9:49f.; Acts 19:13–16), and Jewish magicians and exorcists were highly regarded throughout the Greco-Roman world. Jewish exorcists used the name of the God of Israel in their exorcisms (Josephus Ant. ii.12.4 [275f viii.2.5 [46–48]; IrenaeusAdvhaer ii.4.6), sometimes in the formula “the God of Abraham, (the God of) Isaac, and (the God of) Jacob” (Justin Dial 85.135; Origen Contra Celsum i.22; iv.33f.; v.45; Rist; Heitmüller, pp. 180–82).

Earlier in Acts, Luke had shared previous interactions between the apostles and Jewish sorcerers. In Acts 8, Peter confronted a magician named Simon who had tried to buy God’s power with money. Later, in Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas dealt with another Jewish false prophet named Elymas (or Bar-Jesus) on the island of Cyprus. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

I think Luke’s description of these men is also a verbal stab at their character. Being “itinerant”, they did not stay in one town or place long. Why not? Because the truth eventually comes out. I remember stories about “snake oil” salesmen of the Old West and how one said to his apprentice, “Be sure you pack up and leave after the last bottle is sold so you can be long gone before the “effects” wear off.” Which ever narcotic they put in the “oil” would not last long and then the sick would be sicker.

Although they may have been born Jewish, the fact that they were labeled “exorcists” makes them very unlikely to have been devout Jews. From my readings this week, I only came across one Old Testament account of a demon being removed from one person by the acts of another. Saul’s “evil spirits” left him whenever David played his music. No incantations, maybe a few sung words, but really all God working through David as an act of mercy on Saul. For these men to take the title would break from Old Testament views, therefore it was a title for the pagans to whom they were pandering their services. They were probably great showmen, but no spiritual power or presence.

I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.

The Greek word for I adjure you (horkizo) was common in exorcism formulas and relied on the authority of the one speaking. Paul would have relied on the authority of Christ, not his own words or power. This wording reinforces the truth that these exorcists did not know Jesus the way Paul did, even though they tried to use both names to their advantage. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

They were supposedly Jewish, and this was the best description they could give of Jesus? Apparently, they had not listened to Paul speak about Jesus to realize that He was the Christ. So either they we such legalist they could bring themselves to call Jesus “the Christ” or they had not been to any of Paul’s sabbath day lectures and discarded Paul’s teachings. Neither option shows any level of true spiritual awareness, because Mark records that there were people that “cast out demons” using Jesus’s name successfully. (Mark 9:38)

Jewish high priest named Sceva

Commentators debate the title and offer four possibilities. First, Sceva was a Jewish high priest. Second, he might have been a Jew serving as high priest in a pagan cult. Third, he may have been descended from a Jewish priestly line. And, fourth, he and his seven sons simply lied, claiming a title to add to their credibility. Given the culture of Ephesus at the time, the latter is a strong option for understanding what motivated Sceva and his sons. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

I agree with the last option that he was not a true “priest”, since the sons were not truly exorcists. There is a story in Judges of a Levite being “made a priest” by MIcah. Only God can call you to the priesthood to serve Him.

Judges 17:9–13

Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?

My favorite part of the passage.

James 2:19 “19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 19

The evil spirit knew that the exorcists did not share in Christ’s authority through faith.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary D. Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23–21:16)

This confirms that the power to cast out demons belonged to Jesus and the apostles and no one else. Even the demons give testimony to that

The demons may have been the only spiritually aware beings in the rooms. They knew who they were and knew that they had to obey Jesus’s commands. They knew that God worked through Paul against them. They understood that these sons “could potentially” be a threat but they were not yet. As such, the demon knew he could overpower them for they were spiritually bankrupt. He used the man he inhabited to beat them up physically, but spiritually they were already dead. The physical mastery and humiliation were an outward display of their inner powerlessness.

These were the kind of displays and shows that the people of Ephesus were used to seeing and then trying again and again to appease the right god or cast the right spell or whatever. Now in contrast they have a man in their midst making tents and proclaiming true spiritual life, and with true, lasting healing to verify God’s truths being spoken. This contrast in authority caused a reaction, but not before the sons of Sceva were shown their powerlessness.

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 19

The consequences of frivolously invoking Jesus’s name were severe.

I thought of other Scriptures and realized; the consequences of frivolously invoking Jesus's name could be eternal.

Matthew 7:22–23 “22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

We must be very careful how we use and why we use Jesus’s name. This is another reason I am not too partial to the “WWJD” merchandise because it removes some of the reverence that should be associated with His name. We also need to help those around us to be less frivolous with His name because it could have eternal consequences for them.

(PSG, p. 87) Ask: How can believers ensure their motives are pure?

Check everything thing against the whole of Scripture.

How can we evaluate the motives of others without becoming judgmental?

Even if you ask people “why” they did something, they may not be honest making it very difficult to accurately assess a motive of another. I have found it best to leave judgments to God and speak to people about their observable sin. He can deal with them from the inside, while we engage them from the outside.

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 19

Before leaving this passage, I want to commend these seven sons of Sceva for believing enough to confront demonized people in the name of Jesus. In our culture—even in the Christian community—the possessed man would not be called demonized. He would be labeled depressed, distressed, or manic depressive; psychotic, neurotic, or schizophrenic. We have diluted our effectiveness by referring to spiritual battles as “disorders.”

This episode not only had an impact on the sons of Sceva, but it also became know throughout the city and had an impact for God on both non-believers and believers.

Acts 19:17–20 ESV

17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. 18 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. 19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled

Whether this was a fear of terror or of reverence we cannot tell from these verses, but the next few verses tell us that for some at least it was one of reverence for they acted in a way that glorified God and removed the enemy’s power in their life.

Believer’s Bible Commentary G. Paul’s Third Missionary Journey: Asia Minor and Greece (18:23–21:26)

It was not Paul’s name that received the glory, but the name of Paul’s Savior.

those who were now believers

It is unclear whether the events described earlier in the passage are what led to their belief, or whether Luke is just distinguishing them from any non-believers that may have been “extolling” Jesus’s name. Regardless, the events now help them realized how they were not truly following “Christ alone” and now came confessing the “other things” to which had been taking His place or being mixed in and diluting His power.

Acts: An Expositional Commentary Did Paul’s Strategy Work?

a divided allegiance was rejected.

The events in Ephesus convinced them to forsake the magic in which they had been dabbling. They recognized the holiness of God and repented from any spiritual activities that drew them away from the Lord. It is noteworthy that Luke did not mention any overt action or message on the part of Paul or any other Christian leader in this matter. These believers made their own choice to rely fully on God. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

burned them in the sight of all

Life Application Bible Notes (Map: Paul Takes a Third Journey)

If you are mixed up in the occult [or anything that can pull you away from God or dilute His power within you], learn a lesson from the Ephesians and get rid of anything that could trap you in such practices.

Baptism shows publicly a commitment of the heart. This book burning showed publicly a commitment of the wallet. These books were probably full of all the incantations and potion recipes that the leading exorcists and magicians said would work. I wonder how many self-help books today would fit in this category?

I did not burn any books when I came to Christ, but a couple of months after I had begun to understand how the music I was listening to was drawing my mind away from thoughts of Him, I got rid of most of all the cassettes that I had and started replacing them with Christ centered music. Most of my listening today is still like that, with a lot classical style music without words streaming in my headphones while I am studying, but even then when something “new-agey” pops-up something in me says, “turn that off.”

Exalting Jesus in Acts Believers Confessed/Renounced Sin (Acts 19:18–19)

These Ephesian believers had a new affection. They had a new love for Jesus. Their actions shouted that he was more valuable to them than any god, power, false source of trust, or any amount of money. In Revelation the church in Ephesus is rebuked for abandoning “the love [they] had at first” (Rev 2:2–4). We may begin with passionate adoration of Jesus, but we must not grow cold in our love for the Savior. Continue to cultivate your love for him by confessing secret sins and forsaking ungodly practices (Rev 2:5). Seek his Word and remember that he is your greatest good and your highest joy. Reject all rivals and revere the Son of God, who loved you and gave himself for you (Gal 2:20).

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 19

fifty thousand silver coins The Greek text here could refer to drachmas or to denarii, two different kinds of silver coins. They were both a worker’s daily wage, so this amount would equal approximately 135 years’ worth of wages.

Acts 19:20 “20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.”

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 19

Whenever my appetite for the meat of the Word diminishes, invariably it’s because I’m filling up on the junk food of the world. I’m not talking about blatant sin, but rather empty calories for my mind, Twinkies for my spirit. But when I finally say, “Enough of that,” my appetite for the Word returns.

This is the whole reason that Luke recorded these events as proof of their extraordinary miraculous nature, God’s power increased the potency and efficacy of His Word.

Supernatural forces were at work around Ephesus. Paul was healing diseases and exorcising demons. Fake magicians were trying to mimic his power—all to no avail. In the end, God was being glorified and people were being drawn to Him. This experience should remind us that God rules and reigns over every earthly or spiritual power. As a result, we should honor Him and obey Him with the right motives and righteous acts. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Colossians 3:17 “17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

1 Corinthians 10:31 “31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Apply the Text

Pray:

You have the power to heal physically and spiritually, please continue to use it in us and around us for Your glory.

Your power cannot be manipulated or abused by those who seek their own purposes and profit.

Use us and Your power to lead people to recognize His authority over all things, and to reverence Your name.

Help us have the wisdom to discern our own spiritual motives and to serve You for the right reasons and in the most honoring ways.