Acts 19:15

KJV

And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the evil {G4190} spirit {G4151} answered {G611} and said {G2036}, Jesus {G2424} I know {G1097}, and {G2532} Paul {G3972} I know {G1987}; but {G1161} who {G5101} are {G2075} ye {G5210}?

Complete Jewish Bible

and the evil spirit answered them. It said, “Yeshua I know. And Sha’ul I recognize. But you? Who are you?”

Berean Standard Bible

Eventually, one of the evil spirits answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”

American Standard Version

And the evil spirit answered and said unto them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:15 captures a pivotal and dramatic encounter in Ephesus, where an evil spirit, speaking through a possessed man, unequivocally acknowledges the divine authority of Jesus and the genuine apostolic power vested in Paul. In stark contrast, the spirit dismisses the Jewish exorcists, the seven sons of Sceva, who attempted to manipulate spiritual power through mere incantation without a true relationship with the Lord, thereby exposing the futility of religious ritual apart from authentic faith and divine commission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the broader narrative of Paul's highly effective and impactful ministry in Ephesus, detailed in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus"). Following Paul's arrival and his teaching about the Holy Spirit to a group of disciples, the narrative quickly shifts to the extraordinary miracles God performed through Paul, including healing the sick and casting out demons, to the extent that even items touched by him brought deliverance ([Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - Extraordinary Miracles through Paul")). This display of genuine divine power, however, attracted opportunistic imitators: the seven sons of Sceva, who were Jewish chief priests. They sought to replicate Paul's success by invoking the name of "Jesus whom Paul preacheth," treating it as a magical formula rather than understanding the profound spiritual authority it represented. The evil spirit's chilling response in [Acts 19:15](/acts/19-15 "Acts 19:15 - The Evil Spirit's Recognition") serves as the climax of this attempted exorcism, highlighting the critical distinction between authentic spiritual power and mere religious mimicry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a prominent city 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 hub of pagan worship, magic, and superstition, with a strong belief in the power of incantations, amulets, and exorcisms. Jewish communities also practiced exorcism, often using divine names or specific rituals. In this environment, Paul's ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, directly challenged the prevailing spiritual darkness and false practices. The sons of Sceva, as Jewish chief priests, likely held a position of respect within their community, but their attempt to use Jesus's name without a genuine connection to Him reflects a common syncretistic tendency of the era—to incorporate powerful names into existing magical practices, rather than submitting to the authority behind the name. This incident underscores the clash between the true power of the Gospel and the prevalent magical worldview of the Greco-Roman world.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 19:15](/acts/19-15 "Acts 19:15 - The Evil Spirit's Recognition") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes **Authentic Spiritual Authority**, demonstrating that true power over spiritual forces derives solely from a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, not from inherited status or ritualistic invocation. This contrasts sharply with the false authority of the sons of Sceva, who lacked divine commission. Secondly, the passage highlights **The Danger of Imitation and Presumption**, serving as a cautionary tale against attempting to wield spiritual power without a personal and saving faith in Jesus. The humiliation of Sceva's sons underscores the peril of treating sacred things as mere tools for personal gain or reputation, a theme echoed in warnings against false teachers and prophets ([Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")). Finally, the demon's recognition of Jesus and Paul underscores the theme of **Demonic Awareness and Subjection to Christ's Dominion**. Even forces of darkness acknowledge the supreme authority of Jesus and those genuinely operating under His anointing, revealing the spiritual realm's profound awareness of God's true servants and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Greek, _ponērós'_):** (G4190) This word describes something "hurtful," "calamitous," or "morally culpable." It signifies not merely badness in character (which would be _kakos_), but active malevolence and harmful influence. The spirit is not just "bad" but actively "evil" in its effect and intent, reflecting its nature as an agent of spiritual darkness and destruction.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** (G1097) Used for "Jesus I know." This verb implies a knowledge gained through experience, personal acquaintance, or intimate relationship. The evil spirit's use of _ginōskō_ concerning Jesus suggests a deep, experiential awareness of His power and authority, born from direct encounters or from the inherent spiritual understanding that even demons possess regarding the Son of God.
* **know (Greek, _epístamai'_):** (G1987) Used for "Paul I know." This word, while also meaning "to know" or "understand," often carries the nuance of "to put the mind upon," "to comprehend," or "to be acquainted with" through observation or learning. The demon's knowledge of Paul is likely based on his powerful ministry, the miracles performed through him, and his evident divine commission, indicating a recognition of Paul's delegated authority and the spiritual power that accompanied him. The distinction between _ginōskō_ for Jesus and _epístamai_ for Paul subtly reinforces Jesus's inherent divine authority versus Paul's derived, though potent, apostolic authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the evil spirit answered and said,"**: This clause immediately establishes the dramatic nature of the encounter. The "evil spirit" (G4190 _ponērós_ G4151 _pneûma_) is not a passive entity but an active, intelligent being capable of speech and response. Its ability to "answer" (G611 _apokrínomai_) and "say" (G2036 _épō_) underscores its personality and awareness, setting the stage for a shocking revelation from the demonic realm itself.
* **"Jesus I know,"**: The demon's declaration begins with an emphatic recognition of Jesus. The Greek word for "know" here is _ginōskō_ (G1097), implying an experiential, intimate knowledge. This is not mere intellectual awareness but a profound, terrifying acknowledgment of Jesus's supreme authority and power, likely born from direct encounters with His dominion over the demonic realm. Even the forces of darkness are compelled to confess His identity and power.
* **"and Paul I know;"**: Following its recognition of Jesus, the evil spirit also acknowledges Paul. The word for "know" here is _epístamai_ (G1987), which suggests a comprehensive understanding or acquaintance, often gained through observation. The demon recognizes Paul not because of an inherent divine nature, but because of the powerful anointing and delegated authority that rested upon him, evident in his ministry and the miracles God performed through him. This highlights Paul's genuine commission and the spiritual reality of his apostolic office.
* **"but who are ye?"**: This concluding question is loaded with chilling dismissal and contempt. The conjunction "but" (G1161 _dé_) introduces a sharp contrast. The interrogative "who" (G5101 _tís_) coupled with "are ye" (G2075 _esté_ G5210 _hymeîs_) signifies a complete lack of recognition, authority, or significance from the demon's perspective. It exposes the sons of Sceva as imposters, devoid of any spiritual backing or relationship with the divine power they attempted to invoke, rendering their efforts not just futile but dangerously presumptuous.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 19:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound spiritual truths. The most striking is **Irony**: the very forces of darkness, agents of evil, possess a clearer understanding and acknowledgment of divine authority than the religious individuals attempting to manipulate that power. The demon, an enemy of God, confesses the identity and power of Jesus and Paul, while the sons of Sceva, who outwardly appear religious, are utterly unknown and powerless in the spiritual realm. This creates a stark **Contrast** between genuine spiritual authority and mere imitation. The direct, confrontational **Dramatic Dialogue** from the evil spirit serves to heighten the tension and deliver a chilling revelation. The demon's concise, declarative statements ("Jesus I know, and Paul I know") followed by the dismissive question ("but who are ye?") create a powerful rhetorical effect, immediately establishing the hierarchy of spiritual power. The incident also functions as a form of **Proleptic Recognition**, where the demon's statement foreshadows the disastrous outcome for the sons of Sceva, validating the true authority of God's servants and exposing the emptiness of those who operate outside of it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:15 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of spiritual authority, emphasizing that genuine power in the unseen realm is not a formula to be recited or a name to be invoked magically, but rather an outflow of an authentic, living relationship with Jesus Christ. It underscores the reality that the spiritual world, including demonic forces, recognizes and submits to the true dominion of Christ and the delegated authority of those truly united with Him. This incident warns against spiritual presumption, highlighting that attempts to wield divine power without divine commission or a personal relationship with the Lord are not only ineffective but dangerous. It reinforces the New Testament teaching that spiritual warfare is real, and victory is found solely in Christ's name and power, not in human ingenuity or ritualistic mimicry.

* [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus's Authority Over Unclean Spirits")
* [Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over All the Power of the Enemy")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare Against Principalities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 19:15 offers timeless and critical lessons for believers today, particularly concerning the source of our spiritual authority and the authenticity of our faith. It challenges us to move beyond mere religious performance or superficial adherence to Christian practices, urging us instead to cultivate a deep, personal, and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. Our effectiveness in spiritual matters, whether in prayer, evangelism, or confronting spiritual opposition, flows directly from our union with Him, not from our titles, traditions, or ability to mimic others. This passage calls us to humility, reminding us that true power belongs to God alone, and we are merely vessels. It also serves as a potent reminder for discernment, encouraging us to recognize that not all who claim spiritual power are genuinely operating under divine anointing. Ultimately, it compels us to examine the foundation of our faith: is it built on a living relationship with the One whom even demons acknowledge, or on an empty ritual that leaves us vulnerable and unrecognized in the spiritual realm?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Do I rely more on religious rituals or a genuine, personal relationship with Jesus Christ for spiritual power in my life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be attempting to operate in spiritual authority without true divine commission or anointing?**
* **How does the evil spirit's recognition of Jesus and Paul challenge or affirm my understanding of spiritual warfare and the reality of demonic forces?**
* **What steps can I take to deepen my "knowing" of Jesus, moving from intellectual understanding to experiential intimacy, as implied by the demon's confession?**

### FAQ
**What does the evil spirit mean by "Jesus I know, and Paul I know"?**

Answer: The evil spirit's declaration signifies a profound and experiential recognition of both Jesus's inherent divine authority and Paul's delegated apostolic authority. For Jesus, the verb "know" (Greek: _ginōskō_) implies an intimate, experiential knowledge, born from direct encounters with His supreme power over the demonic realm. Demons, by their very nature, are aware of and subject to Christ's dominion ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus's Authority Over Unclean Spirits")). For Paul, the verb "know" (Greek: _epístamai_) suggests a comprehensive understanding or acquaintance, likely derived from observing his powerful ministry, the miracles performed through him, and his evident divine commission. The demon recognized that Paul operated under a genuine anointing from the God whom it also knew to be supreme. This statement is a chilling testament to the spiritual realm's awareness of God's true servants and His ultimate dominion.

**Why were the sons of Sceva not recognized by the evil spirit?**

Answer: The sons of Sceva were not recognized by the evil spirit because they lacked a genuine, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and, consequently, possessed no true spiritual authority. They were attempting to wield the name of Jesus as a magical incantation or a formula, mimicking Paul's actions without the divine commission or the indwelling Holy Spirit that empowered Paul. Their efforts were based on superstition and a desire to replicate success rather than on faith and obedience. The demon's dismissive question, "but who are ye?" ([Acts 19:15](/acts/19-15 "Acts 19:15 - The Evil Spirit's Recognition")), brutally exposed their spiritual emptiness and the futility of religious ritual apart from authentic faith. This incident serves as a powerful warning against spiritual presumption and the danger of using sacred names without a true connection to the power they represent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 19:15, though set in a dramatic encounter with an evil spirit, powerfully points to the ultimate supremacy and unique authority of Jesus Christ, foreshadowing His complete triumph over all spiritual darkness. The demon's chilling confession, "Jesus I know," is a pre-emptive echo of the universal confession that will one day occur, when "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Jesus's authority over demons was evident throughout His earthly ministry, as He routinely cast them out with a mere word, demonstrating His divine power to bind the strong man ([Matthew 12:29](/matthew/12-29 "Matthew 12:29 - Binding the Strong Man")). The power Paul wielded was not his own, but a delegated authority derived directly from his union with Christ, a power made available to all believers who abide in Him ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")). The sons of Sceva's failure underscores that true spiritual power is not about invoking a name as a magical charm, but about being genuinely "in Christ," partakers of His divine nature and recipients of His Spirit. Thus, this passage ultimately magnifies Christ as the source of all authority, the Victor over every spiritual foe, and the One through whom His followers are empowered to overcome the evil one ([1 John 4:4](/1_john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater is He That is in You")).

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

Acts 16:17

The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

Acts 16:18

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Mark 1:34

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Luke 4:33

And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

Luke 4:35

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

Mark 5:9

And he asked him, What [is] thy name? And he answered, saying, My name [is] Legion: for we are many.

Mark 5:13

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.