And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
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}?
and the evil spirit answered them. It said, “Yeshua I know. And Sha’ul I recognize. But you? Who are you?”
Eventually, one of the evil spirits answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”
And the evil spirit answered and said unto them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
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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.
The verse Acts 19:15 captures a dramatic moment in the ministry of the Apostle Paul in Ephesus, revealing profound truths about spiritual authority and genuine faith. An evil spirit, speaking through a possessed man, acknowledges the formidable power associated with Jesus and Paul, while utterly dismissing the seven sons of Sceva who attempted to mimic spiritual power without a true relationship with God.
Context of Acts 19:15
This verse is part of a larger narrative in Acts chapter 19, which details Paul's powerful and effective ministry in Ephesus. Paul performed extraordinary miracles, including healing the sick and casting out evil spirits, to the extent that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were used to bring healing and deliverance (Acts 19:11-12). This display of divine power attracted imitators, specifically the seven sons of Sceva, who were Jewish chief priests. They attempted to exorcise a demon by invoking "Jesus whom Paul preacheth," thinking the name itself was a magical incantation rather than understanding the spiritual authority it represented. The evil spirit's response in this verse highlights the stark difference between genuine spiritual power and mere religious ritual.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "know" used twice here is ginōskō (γινώσκω), which often implies a knowledge gained through experience or personal acquaintance, rather than just intellectual understanding. The evil spirit wasn't just aware of Jesus and Paul; it had experienced their power and authority. In contrast, the question "but who are ye?" implies a complete lack of recognition or authority for the sons of Sceva in the spiritual realm, highlighting their insignificance from the demon's perspective. Their attempt at exorcism was met with a terrifying dismissal, underscoring their lack of divine backing.
Practical Application
This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today regarding spiritual warfare and authentic Christian living:
Acts 19:15 powerfully illustrates that spiritual authority is not a formula to be recited but a power to be possessed through a living, authentic relationship with Jesus Christ.