Question 1

Who were the vagabond Jewish exorcists and the seven sons of Sceva?

Accepted Answer

The vagabond Jewish exorcists were traveling Jews who went from place to place claiming to cast out evil spirits and heal by using charms and spoken formulas. The seven sons of Sceva were part of this group. Their father is called a priest, which means they had a religious background but used it in a wrong way. They tried to copy Paul by using the name of Jesus as a command over demons, even though they did not truly believe in Jesus or follow him. This story shows how empty that kind of borrowed religion is.

Question 2

What does the demon’s words “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?” mean?

Accepted Answer

The demon’s reply shows that evil spirits recognize real authority. The spirit knew who Jesus is and knew Paul as a true servant of Jesus, someone God was using in powerful ways. But the demon had no respect for the seven sons because they had no real connection to Christ. They were only using his name like a magic word. The question “who are you?” exposes that they had no right to command the spirit. It is a warning that using Jesus’ name without faith and obedience has no power and can even bring harm.

Question 3

Why did the man with the evil spirit attack the seven sons and leave them naked and wounded?

Accepted Answer

The man overpowered by the evil spirit attacked the seven sons to show that they had no real spiritual authority. They tried to drive out the spirit by saying, “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches,” but they did not trust or follow Jesus themselves. God allowed this humiliating defeat to expose their presumption and to stop others from treating Jesus’ name like a trick or charm. They ran out of the house naked and hurt, which made it clear to everyone that the name of Jesus is not something to play with or use for selfish gain.

Question 4

Why did fear fall on the people of Ephesus and the name of Jesus be magnified?

Accepted Answer

When people in Ephesus heard how the demon had beaten the false exorcists, they realized that Jesus’ name carries real power that cannot be copied or faked. This filled both Jews and Greeks with a deep fear and respect. It showed that Jesus rules over evil spirits and that those who truly serve him, like Paul, act with his backing. Because of this, people began to speak more highly of Jesus and honor his name instead of treating it lightly. The fear was not just terror; it was a serious sense that God is real, holy, and not to be used for tricks.

Question 5

What does it mean that believers confessed and showed their deeds?

Accepted Answer

The believers in Ephesus responded to what happened by coming forward and openly admitting their sins, especially their involvement in magic and hidden practices. “Confessed and showed their deeds” means they did not hide their past but told the truth about what they had been doing. This was not forced; they chose to bring dark things into the light. It was a sign that they were truly turning away from their old ways. Confession here is part of real repentance, where people agree with God about their sin and are ready to leave it behind.

Question 6

Why did those who used curious arts burn their magic books instead of selling them?

Accepted Answer

Those who practiced curious arts, which included magic, charms, and occult practices, were so convicted that they gathered their books and burned them in public. They did not sell them because they did not want anyone else to fall into the same sin. Burning the books showed they were finished with those practices and did not plan to go back. The books were worth a very large amount of money, but they chose obedience to God over profit. This act was a clear break with their past and a visible sign that Jesus was now their Lord.

Question 7

What is the meaning of the fifty thousand pieces of silver in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The fifty thousand pieces of silver refer to the total value of the magic books that were burned. Whether these were local silver coins or another measure, the amount was huge. Mentioning the price shows how much these things were worth in human terms and how costly the repentance was. The people were willing to lose a great deal of money rather than keep objects that dishonored God. It reminds readers that following Christ can involve giving up things that once seemed valuable, because knowing and obeying him is worth far more.

Question 8

What does it mean that the word of God grew mightily and prevailed?

Accepted Answer

The phrase “the word of God grew mightily and prevailed” means that the message about Jesus kept spreading and gaining power in people’s lives. It was not just that more people heard the message, but that it changed them deeply. False practices like magic lost their influence, and people turned from darkness to God. Even demons, fake exorcists, and valuable magic books could not stand against what God was doing. The story shows that when God’s word is received in truth, it overcomes other loyalties and leads to real repentance and obedience.

Question 9

How does this passage warn against misusing the name of Jesus today?

Accepted Answer

This passage warns that Jesus’ name is not a tool to get what we want or to impress others. The seven sons tried to use his name without trusting him or obeying him, and they ended up shamed and hurt. Today, this speaks against using Jesus’ name as a charm, empty phrase, or way to gain power, money, or praise. It reminds us that real authority comes from a true relationship with Christ. Instead of copying words we think are powerful, we are called to trust Jesus himself, submit to him, and let his word shape our lives.

Acts 19:13

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Seven Sons of Sceva

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Acts 19:13

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

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Seven Sons of Sceva

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