Acts 19:14

KJV

And there were seven sons of [one] Sceva, a Jew, [and] chief of the priests, which did so.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there were {G2258} seven {G2033} sons {G5207} of one Sceva {G4630}{G5100}, a Jew {G2453}, and chief of the priests {G749}, which did {G4160} so {G5124}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One time, seven sons of a Jewish cohen gadol named Skeva were doing this;

Berean Standard Bible

Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

American Standard Version

And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, who did this.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:14 introduces a pivotal group in the unfolding narrative of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus: "seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so." This verse sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation between authentic divine power, as manifested through Paul, and its presumptuous imitation by those seeking to exploit spiritual forces for their own ends. It highlights the dangerous folly of attempting to wield the name of Jesus without a genuine relationship with Him, serving as a stark prelude to the immediate consequences that follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 19:14 is embedded within a broader narrative detailing the powerful and impactful ministry of the Apostle Paul in Ephesus. The preceding verses (Acts 19:11-12) emphasize that God was performing "extraordinary miracles" through Paul, so much so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, and diseases left them, and evil spirits came out. This demonstration of undeniable divine authority and power created a spiritual vacuum and a stark contrast with the prevalent magical practices in Ephesus. Verse 13 then introduces "certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists," who, witnessing Paul's success, attempted to replicate his methods by invoking the name of "Jesus whom Paul preacheth." Acts 19:14 specifically identifies the most prominent of these imitators, the sons of Sceva, directly leading into the climactic and cautionary tale of their failed exorcism and subsequent humiliation in [Acts 19:15-16](/acts/19-15-16 "Acts 19:15-16 - The Demon's Response to Sceva's Sons").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its magnificent Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was a hotbed of pagan worship, occult practices, magic, and superstition, with a thriving market for charms, incantations, and exorcism. Within this diverse religious landscape, there was also a significant Jewish community. While "chief of the priests" (G749, _archiereús_) typically refers to the high priest or leading members of the priestly aristocracy in Jerusalem, it is highly improbable that Sceva held such a formal office in Jerusalem while residing in Ephesus. More likely, Sceva was a prominent Jewish leader in Ephesus, perhaps the head of a priestly family or a synagogue, who had adapted to the local culture by engaging in exorcism, possibly for profit. Such practices were not uncommon, as some Jewish traditions included forms of exorcism, and in a syncretistic city like Ephesus, the lines between various religious and magical practices could easily blur.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the incident it introduces, powerfully contributes to several key themes within [the book of Acts](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus"). Foremost among these is the theme of **Authenticity vs. Imitation**, demonstrating that true spiritual power is not a formula or a magical incantation that can be mimicked, but rather flows from a genuine relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It also underscores the **Nature of Spiritual Authority**, highlighting that authority in the spiritual realm is divinely granted, not self-proclaimed or transferable through mere verbal invocation. The narrative also serves as a potent warning about the **Consequences of Presumption and Spiritual Dabbling**, illustrating the dangers of engaging with spiritual forces without divine authorization or genuine faith. The humiliation of Sceva's sons serves as a stark contrast to the genuine power of God at work through Paul, further validating the truth of the gospel Paul preached in Ephesus, as seen in [Acts 19:17-20](/acts/19-17-20 "Acts 19:17-20 - The Impact of the Incident in Ephesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sceva (Greek, _Skeuâs'_):** This name, likely of Latin origin, means "left-handed." While the text identifies him as "a Jew" and "chief of the priests," it's important to note that Sceva is not mentioned in any other historical or biblical records as a legitimate high priest in Jerusalem. His name here suggests a specific individual, possibly a prominent Jewish figure in Ephesus who may have claimed priestly lineage or held a position of authority within the local Jewish community, perhaps even overseeing a form of exorcism practice. His identity as "left-handed" (if that is the intended meaning of his name) could subtly hint at something unconventional or even sinister about his character or practices, contrasting with the "right hand" of God's power.
* **Jew (Greek, _Ioudaîos'_):** This term emphasizes Sceva's ethnic and religious identity. Despite being a Jew, Sceva and his sons were operating outside the bounds of genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Their Jewish background, perhaps even a priestly claim, gave them a certain religious credibility in the eyes of the public, but it did not confer spiritual authority in the name of Jesus. This highlights that mere religious affiliation or lineage is insufficient for wielding divine power, especially when attempting to manipulate spiritual forces.
* **chief of the priests (Greek, _archiereús'_):** This title is significant. While it most commonly refers to the high priest or leading priests in Jerusalem, its application to Sceva in Ephesus is unusual. It likely indicates that Sceva was a prominent, perhaps even the leading, figure among the Jewish priests or a priestly family in Ephesus. He may have been a respected elder, a synagogue leader, or someone who had established a reputation for religious authority, possibly even engaging in traditional Jewish exorcism practices. The use of this title underscores the perceived religious standing of Sceva, which his sons attempted to leverage, but ultimately proved to be a facade when confronted with true spiritual power.
* **did (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb signifies "to make or do" and here refers to the sons of Sceva engaging in the act of exorcism, specifically attempting to replicate Paul's method. The choice of this verb highlights their active participation and intention to perform the act, but the subsequent narrative reveals the emptiness of their "doing" without genuine authority. It underscores the difference between merely performing an action and performing it with divine empowerment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there were seven sons of one Sceva":** This clause introduces the specific individuals who will be central to the subsequent narrative. The number "seven" might be intended to convey a sense of completeness or significance, perhaps suggesting a well-established and organized group, or even a symbolic number indicating a full complement of those involved in this presumptuous activity. Their identity as "sons of Sceva" links them directly to their father's perceived religious standing.
* **"a Jew, and chief of the priests":** This phrase describes Sceva, the father of the seven sons. His identity as a "Jew" indicates his ethnic and religious background, while "chief of the priests" suggests a position of prominence or authority within the Jewish community in Ephesus. This detail is crucial for understanding why his sons felt they had the standing to engage in exorcism and why their failure would have such a significant impact on both Jewish and Gentile communities.
* **"which did so":** This concluding phrase refers back to the actions described in the preceding verse (Acts 19:13), where "certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists," attempted to cast out demons by invoking "Jesus whom Paul preacheth." The sons of Sceva were among those who were "doing so," indicating their active participation in this imitative and unauthorized spiritual practice. This sets the stage for the immediate and dramatic consequences of their actions.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 19:14, in conjunction with the surrounding narrative, employs several effective literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the sons of Sceva, who claim a degree of religious authority through their father, are utterly humiliated by the very demonic forces they attempt to control. They invoke the name of Jesus, a name of ultimate power, yet their lack of genuine connection to Him renders their efforts powerless, leading to their being overpowered by the demon. This creates a stark contrast between their presumed authority and their actual impotence. The verse also serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, setting up the dramatic and cautionary tale of the demon's response in [Acts 19:15-16](/acts/19-15-16 "Acts 19:15-16 - The Demon's Response to Sceva's Sons"). The introduction of these specific individuals immediately signals that their actions will lead to significant consequences, building narrative tension. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **Contrast** as a central theme, juxtaposing the genuine, Spirit-empowered ministry of Paul, marked by undeniable miracles, with the superficial and ultimately disastrous attempts of the sons of Sceva to mimic spiritual power. This contrast powerfully underscores the distinction between true divine authority and mere religious performance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:14 serves as a profound theological warning against the dangers of spiritual presumption and the futility of attempting to manipulate divine power without genuine faith and authorization. It underscores that spiritual authority is not a formula or a magical incantation, nor is it inherited or derived from religious lineage alone. True power in the spiritual realm flows exclusively from a living relationship with Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The incident with Sceva's sons highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the absolute necessity of being genuinely "in Christ" to engage it effectively. Their public humiliation not only exposed their lack of authority but also magnified the authentic power of the name of Jesus when invoked by those who truly belong to Him, leading to widespread awe and the advancement of the gospel.

* [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")
* [Luke 9:49-50](/luke/9-49-50 "Luke 9:49-50 - The Disciples and the Exorcist")
* [James 2:19](/james/2-19 "James 2:19 - Even the Demons Believe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Sceva's sons in Acts 19:14 and the subsequent verses offers timeless lessons for believers today, challenging us to examine the authenticity and source of our spiritual endeavors. In a world that often seeks quick fixes or superficial spirituality, this passage reminds us that genuine power in the Christian life does not come from merely invoking sacred names or mimicking religious practices. Our effectiveness in ministry, prayer, and spiritual warfare is inextricably linked to the depth and sincerity of our relationship with Jesus Christ. It compels us to move beyond mere religious performance or the adoption of Christian terminology to a profound, Spirit-filled communion with God. We are called to live lives rooted in genuine faith, where our actions flow from an intimate knowledge of Christ, rather than a desire for outward show or personal gain. This passage encourages us to cultivate a life of integrity, ensuring that our faith is not just a profession of words, but a transformative reality empowered by the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to mimic spiritual practices or use Christian language without genuine faith or a deep relationship with Christ?**
* **How can I ensure that my spiritual authority, if any, is derived from an authentic connection with Jesus and not from my own efforts, reputation, or presumed knowledge?**
* **What does the humiliation of Sceva's sons teach me about the dangers of spiritual presumption and dabbling in spiritual matters without divine authorization?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus that empowers my life and ministry, rather than relying on superficial acts?**

### FAQ

**Who was Sceva, and why is he called "chief of the priests" in Ephesus?**

Answer: Sceva is identified as a "Jew, and chief of the priests" in Acts 19:14, and he is the father of seven sons who attempted to exorcise demons by invoking the name of Jesus. It's important to note that Sceva is not mentioned in any other historical or biblical records, and he was certainly not the official high priest in Jerusalem, as that office was held by others during this period. The most likely interpretation is that Sceva was a prominent and influential Jewish leader in Ephesus, perhaps the head of a significant priestly family or a respected elder within the local Jewish community. His title "chief of the priests" (Greek: _archiereús_) likely signifies a position of local religious authority or prestige, possibly indicating that he was the leader of a group of priests or a priestly guild in Ephesus, perhaps even involved in traditional Jewish exorcism practices that were common in the ancient world. His sons were attempting to leverage his perceived religious standing and the power of Jesus' name for their own gain, without genuine faith or divine authorization, as seen in their dramatic failure in [Acts 19:15-16](/acts/19-15-16 "Acts 19:15-16 - The Demon's Response to Sceva's Sons").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The incident of Sceva's sons in Acts 19:14, and their subsequent humiliation, powerfully underscores the unique and unparalleled authority of Jesus Christ, revealing Him as the sole source of genuine spiritual power. Unlike the sons of Sceva who attempted to use Jesus' name as a mere magical incantation, Christ's authority is inherent and absolute, demonstrated through His own ministry of casting out demons (e.g., [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")). He is not merely a name to be invoked, but the living Son of God, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). The power to overcome spiritual darkness is not found in human ingenuity or religious lineage, but in union with Christ through faith and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. Believers are empowered to participate in Christ's victory over evil, not by mimicking rituals, but by abiding in Him ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")) and exercising the authority He has delegated to His disciples ([Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over Serpents and Scorpions")). The failure of Sceva's sons serves as a stark reminder that true spiritual power flows from the person of Christ and His finished work on the cross, making Him the ultimate fulfillment of all genuine authority and the only one through whom salvation and deliverance are truly found ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")).

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.