The Impotence of the Exorcists: Acts 19:13-17
“13) But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14) Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15) And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” 16) And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17) This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified.” Acts 19:13-17 NASB1995
An exorcist is someone who uses religious rites, ceremonies or relics in the process of trying to cast a demonic spirit out of someone. Such was the case with the seven sons of a Jewish chief priest named Sceva.
They were trying to duplicate the results of Paul and the Christians without having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They were most likely dependent on various Jewish ceremonies, holy water, oils and even music. David had success using music when Saul was being demonically tormented. (See 1 Samual 16:23)
When all else failed, the seven sons of Sceva resorted to the “name of Jesus whom Paul preaches.” It did not work for them. Jesus does not give His authority over the demonic realm to non-Christians.
The results were tragic. The evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” (Vs 15) Then the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, subdued all of them and overpowered them. It was seven against one, but they were no match for the demon possessed man. They fled out of the house naked and wounded.
In preparing for my Freedom Quest Workshop material, I bought and read numerous books about Catholic exorcists. Tragically, their methodology and results are similar to the seven sons of Sceva. Most are mercilessly tormented in their line of duty. Some are killed, others give way to mental breakdowns. They consider it the price they need to pay for being in their office.
The religious rituals and ceremonies of the religious exorcists cannot duplicate the authority Jesus Christ gives to His followers. (Matthew 10:7-8; Matthew 28:18-20; Colossians 2:13-15; Ephesians 1:18-23)
The authority of the believer “in Christ” over the kingdom of darkness is a fabulous biblical study. The Freedom Quest Workshop that I teach is designed to educate and equip believers to stand firm “in Christ” and lead people to freedom from the schemes and ploys of the evil one. I encourage you to attend one of these workshops. It is an in depth biblical study of the believers authority “in Christ.”
The contrast between Paul and the sons of Sceva was shocking. “This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified.” (Acts 19:17) The Gospel and power of Jesus Christ has no rival.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
