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.

Then {G1161} certain {G5100} of {G575} the vagabond {G4022} Jews {G2453}, exorcists {G1845}, took upon them {G2021} to call {G3687} over {G1909} them which had {G2192} evil {G4190} spirits {G4151} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}, saying {G3004}, We adjure {G3726} you {G5209} by Jesus {G2424} whom {G3739} Paul {G3972} preacheth {G2784}.

Then some of the Jewish exorcists who traveled from place to place tried to make use of the name of the Lord Yeshua in connection with people who had evil spirits. They would say, “I exorcise you by the Yeshua that Sha’ul is proclaiming!”

Now there were some itinerant Jewish exorcists who tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits. They would say, “I bind you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.”

But certain also of the strolling Jews, exorcists, took upon them to name over them that had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Acts 19:13 introduces an intriguing incident during Paul's impactful ministry in Ephesus, highlighting the stark contrast between genuine spiritual authority and its imitation. This verse sets the stage for a significant event that underscores the unique power inherent in the name of Jesus.

Historical and Cultural Context

Ephesus was a major city known for its diverse religious practices, including widespread belief in magic, divination, and exorcism. Many people, both Gentile and Jewish, sought supernatural power to control spirits or influence events. Paul's ministry was marked by extraordinary miracles, including the expulsion of evil spirits (Acts 19:11-12), which naturally attracted attention and, unfortunately, imitation. Jewish exorcists were not uncommon in this period, often employing various incantations and revered names to perform their craft.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Power of Jesus' Name: The core message is the unparalleled authority and power residing in the name of Jesus. While the vagabond exorcists recognized this power, they attempted to wield it as a magical formula rather than through genuine faith and relationship.
  • Authenticity vs. Imitation: This verse foreshadows the clear distinction between those who genuinely serve Christ and are empowered by the Holy Spirit, and those who merely try to mimic spiritual power for personal gain or reputation. It exposes the danger of using spiritual means without true spiritual backing.
  • Spiritual Authority: True spiritual authority is not something that can be borrowed or conjured by rote recitation. It flows from a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ, as demonstrated by Paul's ministry.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "vagabond" (Greek: perierchomai) describes these Jews as "going around" or "itinerant," suggesting they were wandering from place to place practicing their exorcism.
  • "Exorcists" (Greek: exorkistes) refers to those who claim to expel demons, often by administering an oath or binding spirits by an oath. Their method involved calling upon a higher power to command the evil spirit.
  • "Adjure" (Greek: horkizo) means to put under oath or to command solemnly by invoking a divine name. The exorcists were attempting to command the evil spirits by invoking Jesus' name, but without the personal connection that gave Paul his authority.

Related Scriptures

The incident described in Acts 19:13 directly leads to the encounter with the Sons of Sceva, whose attempt to use Jesus' name without proper authority resulted in their public humiliation (Acts 19:16). This event powerfully affirmed the unique and sovereign authority of Jesus' name, which is exalted above every name (Philippians 2:9-11), and emphasizes that true Christian ministry is always done in the name of the Lord Jesus, with genuine faith.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a crucial reminder that spiritual power is not a commodity to be exploited or a formula to be recited. It highlights the importance of genuine faith and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ for anyone seeking to engage in spiritual warfare or ministry. Attempting to use God's name or spiritual practices for selfish motives, without a true connection to Him, can lead to dangerous and ineffective outcomes. It calls believers to authenticity, reminding us that our authority comes from who we are in Christ, not merely what we say or do.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 12:27

    And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast [them] out? therefore they shall be your judges.

  • Mark 9:38

    And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

  • Luke 11:19

    And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast [them] out? therefore shall they be your judges.

  • Acts 8:18

    And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

  • Acts 8:19

    Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

  • Luke 9:49

    And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

  • Mark 5:7

    And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

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