Acts 19:13

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:13 introduces an intriguing episode during Paul's impactful ministry in Ephesus, where certain itinerant Jewish exorcists attempted to leverage the name of Jesus as a magical incantation to expel evil spirits. This incident starkly contrasts their superficial approach with the genuine spiritual authority demonstrated by Paul, setting the stage for a dramatic revelation of the unique and sovereign power inherent in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Paul's highly effective and miraculous ministry in Ephesus, as detailed in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus"). Luke has just described how God was performing "extraordinary miracles" through Paul, including the expulsion of evil spirits and the healing of the sick through contact with his garments ([Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - Extraordinary Miracles Through Paul")). The success of Paul's Spirit-empowered ministry naturally drew attention, leading to attempts at imitation by those who observed his power but did not share his genuine faith or spiritual authority. Acts 19:13 specifically introduces the actors who will be central to the subsequent, more detailed account of the Sons of Sceva in [Acts 19:14-16](/acts/19-14-16 "Acts 19:14-16 - The Sons of Sceva and the Evil Spirit"), serving as a crucial setup for the dramatic consequences of attempting to use Jesus' name without true spiritual backing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its diverse religious practices, including the widespread worship of Artemis (Diana), magic, sorcery, and various forms of divination and exorcism. The city was a melting pot of Greek, Roman, and Eastern cults, where people frequently sought supernatural intervention for various ailments and misfortunes. Exorcism was a recognized practice, and Jewish exorcists were known to operate, often employing specific incantations, spells, and the names of revered figures (such as Solomon, believed to have power over demons) to perform their craft. In this environment, Paul's demonstrable power over evil spirits would have been particularly compelling, leading some, like these "vagabond Jews," to view his methods as a new, potent form of magic they could replicate for their own gain or reputation.
* **Key Themes:** The incident in [Acts 19:13](/acts/19-13 "Acts 19:13 - The Vagabond Exorcists") contributes significantly to several key themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost among these is the theme of **Authenticity vs. Imitation**, highlighting the stark difference between genuine spiritual power derived from a living relationship with Christ and a mere attempt to mimic spiritual authority or use sacred names as magical formulas. It powerfully underscores the **Sovereignty and Unique Power of Jesus' Name**, demonstrating that the name of Jesus is not a tool to be manipulated but represents the very person and authority of the risen Lord, accessible only through faith and submission to Him. Furthermore, the narrative touches upon the reality of **Spiritual Warfare** and the necessity of true divine empowerment to confront evil spirits, contrasting the inherent weakness of human attempts with the omnipotence of God. This episode also implicitly explores the **Nature of True Ministry**, emphasizing that effective ministry flows from a Spirit-filled life and a deep connection to Christ, rather than from borrowed influence or superficial rituals.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vagabond (Greek, _periérchomai'_):** From G4022, meaning "to come all around, i.e. stroll, vacillate, veer." This term describes these Jews as "itinerant" or "wandering about," suggesting they were not settled members of the Ephesian community but rather traveling practitioners of exorcism, perhaps seeking opportunities wherever they could find them. The term carries a connotation of aimlessness or lack of a fixed purpose beyond their craft, contrasting sharply with Paul's divinely appointed mission.
* **exorcists (Greek, _exorkistḗs'_):** From G1845, meaning "one that binds by an oath (or spell), i.e. (by implication) an 'exorcist' (conjurer)." This word precisely identifies their profession. These individuals claimed the ability to expel demons, often by administering an oath to the spirit or binding it through a solemn command or incantation, typically invoking a higher power. Their practice was rooted in the belief that certain names or formulas held power over spiritual entities.
* **adjure (Greek, _horkízō'_):** From G3726, meaning "to put on oath, i.e. make swear; by analogy, to solemnly enjoin." When the exorcists say, "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth," they are attempting to place the evil spirits under a solemn oath or command, invoking Jesus' name as the authority by which they compel the spirits. This reveals their understanding of Jesus' name as a powerful, almost magical, entity to be wielded, rather than the personal, divine authority of the Son of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus":** This clause introduces the subjects of the narrative: a group of itinerant Jewish practitioners of exorcism. They "took upon them" (undertook or attempted) to use a method they observed Paul employing. Their action was to "call over" or invoke "the name of the Lord Jesus" upon those afflicted by evil spirits. This indicates their recognition of the efficacy of Jesus' name in Paul's ministry, but their motivation appears to be one of imitation and exploitation, rather than genuine faith or a relationship with Christ. They saw Paul's success and sought to replicate it for their own purposes.
* **"saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth."**: This is the specific incantation or formula they used. By saying "We adjure you," they were attempting to solemnly command the evil spirits, binding them as if by an oath. Crucially, they identify the Jesus they are invoking not as the Christ whom they personally believe in, but as "Jesus whom Paul preacheth." This phrase underscores their detachment from a personal relationship with Jesus; they are merely borrowing His name based on Paul's reputation and apparent success, treating it as a powerful word rather than the living Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in [Acts 19:13](/acts/19-13 "Acts 19:13 - The Vagabond Exorcists") to set the scene for the subsequent events. **Contrast** is a primary device, immediately drawing a distinction between the genuine, Spirit-empowered ministry of Paul and the imitative, superficial attempts of the "vagabond Jews, exorcists." This contrast highlights the source of true spiritual authority. There is a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as this verse directly sets up the dramatic and humiliating failure of the Sons of Sceva in the following verses, demonstrating the danger of misusing sacred power. **Irony** is also present: these exorcists attempt to use the name of Jesus, a name of ultimate power and authority, yet they do so without the necessary faith or relationship, leading to a spectacular failure that underscores the very power they sought to exploit. Finally, Luke's **Characterization** of these individuals as "vagabond" and "exorcists" immediately paints them as opportunistic and engaged in a craft, rather than being ministers of divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:13 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of spiritual authority and the unique power of the name of Jesus. It teaches that the name of Jesus is not a magical formula or a tool to be wielded by anyone, regardless of their spiritual standing. True authority to cast out demons or perform spiritual works flows directly from a genuine, living relationship with Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The incident underscores that attempting to use God's name or spiritual practices for personal gain, reputation, or merely by imitation, without true faith and submission, is not only ineffective but can be dangerous. It highlights the sacredness of Christ's name and the necessity of authentic faith as the foundation for all spiritual engagement.

* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ's Name")
* [Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Doing All in the Name of the Lord Jesus")
* [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a critical lesson for believers today: true spiritual power and effectiveness in ministry do not come from merely invoking the right words or mimicking successful spiritual practices. Instead, they flow from a genuine, personal, and deepening relationship with Jesus Christ, rooted in faith and obedience. We are called to authenticity in our faith, ensuring that our actions and words are consistent with a heart truly surrendered to God. Attempting to use God's name or spiritual principles for selfish motives, or without a true connection to Him, is not only futile but can lead to spiritual emptiness or even harmful consequences. This passage challenges us to examine the source of our spiritual confidence and to continually seek to abide in Christ, recognizing that our authority comes from who we are in Him, not from any formula or external display.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, attempt to "borrow" spiritual authority or use God's name without genuine faith or relationship?**
* **How can we ensure that our spiritual practices are rooted in authentic faith and a deep relationship with Jesus, rather than mere imitation or ritual?**
* **What does it mean to truly operate "in the name of the Lord Jesus" in our daily lives and ministries?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "vagabond Jews, exorcists" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "vagabond Jews, exorcists" were itinerant Jewish individuals who practiced exorcism, a common profession in the ancient world, particularly in places like Ephesus where belief in evil spirits and magic was prevalent. The term "vagabond" (Greek: _periérchomai_) suggests they were wanderers, moving from place to place, seeking opportunities to perform their craft. They were not followers of Jesus, nor were they sent by Him. Instead, they observed the extraordinary miracles God was performing through Paul, including successful exorcisms ([Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - Extraordinary Miracles Through Paul")), and sought to replicate his success. Their motivation was likely professional or financial, seeing Jesus' name as a powerful new incantation to add to their repertoire, rather than recognizing Him as the divine Son of God who grants authority to His genuine followers. They attempted to use Jesus' name as a magical formula, detached from the person of Jesus and the faith required for true spiritual power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 19:13, though seemingly a negative example, powerfully underscores the unique and absolute authority of Jesus Christ, pointing to Him as the ultimate source of all spiritual power. The failure of the vagabond exorcists to wield Jesus' name effectively reveals that His name is not a mere incantation or a borrowed charm, but the very embodiment of His person, His divine authority, and His finished work on the cross. It is through His death and resurrection that [Jesus triumphed over every principality and power](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers"), disarming them and making a public spectacle of them. Therefore, true spiritual power, including the authority to cast out demons, flows only from a genuine, Spirit-filled relationship with the risen Christ. This incident foreshadows the truth that [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"), and that His name is indeed [the name above every name](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ's Name"), before which every knee will bow. The episode in Ephesus thus serves as a vivid illustration that genuine spiritual victory is found not in human imitation or manipulation, but solely in the person and power of Jesus Christ, accessed through faith in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.