Acts 19:16

KJV

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the man {G444} in {G1722} whom {G3739} the evil {G4190} spirit {G4151} was {G2258} leaped {G2177} on {G1909} them {G846}, and {G2532} overcame {G2634} them {G846}, and prevailed {G2480} against {G2596} them {G846}, so {G5620} that they fled {G1628} out of {G1537} that {G1565} house {G3624} naked {G1131} and {G2532} wounded {G5135}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the man with the evil spirit fell upon them, overpowered them and gave them such a beating that they ran from the house, naked and bleeding.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. The attack was so violent that they ran out of the house naked and wounded.

American Standard Version

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and mastered both of them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:16 vividly recounts the humiliating defeat of the seven sons of Sceva, itinerant Jewish exorcists in Ephesus, who attempted to cast out an evil spirit by invoking "Jesus whom Paul preaches" without genuine faith or authority. The demon-possessed man violently overpowered them, stripping them of their clothing and inflicting wounds, forcing them to flee the house in shame. This dramatic incident underscored the profound difference between true spiritual power, derived from a relationship with Christ, and mere imitative presumption, serving to validate Paul's ministry and magnify the name of Jesus throughout the city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic climax of an episode within Paul's extensive and powerful ministry in Ephesus, as detailed in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus"). Paul's work was characterized by extraordinary miracles, including healing and exorcism, performed through the power of the Holy Spirit (e.g., [Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - Paul's Miracles")). This success attracted the attention of local practitioners, including the sons of Sceva, who, observing Paul's method, sought to replicate his results by using the name of Jesus as a magical formula. The immediate preceding verse, [Acts 19:15](/acts/19-15 "Acts 19:15 - The Demon's Recognition"), sets the stage for the confrontation, with the evil spirit famously declaring, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" This verse then details the immediate and violent consequence of their unauthorized spiritual dabbling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its temple to Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and deeply steeped in paganism, magic, and superstitious practices. The city was a hub for various forms of sorcery, incantations, and exorcism, often involving the use of specific names or formulae believed to possess inherent power. Within this environment, some Jewish individuals also engaged in exorcism, often drawing on traditional Jewish mystical practices. The sons of Sceva, as "chief priests" (though likely not in the Jerusalem temple sense, but perhaps prominent figures within the Ephesian Jewish community or a priestly family), were attempting to leverage what they perceived as a new, potent incantation—the name of Jesus—for their own gain, without understanding the spiritual reality behind it. Their actions reflect a common syncretistic tendency in the ancient world to incorporate new deities or powerful names into existing magical frameworks.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 19:16](/acts/19-16 "Acts 19:16 - The Sons of Sceva Overpowered") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **authenticity of true spiritual authority** versus unauthorized imitation. The incident unequivocally demonstrates that power in the spiritual realm stems not from a formulaic incantation, but from a genuine relationship with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as exemplified by Paul. Secondly, the passage starkly reveals the **reality and malevolent power of evil spirits**. The demon's ability to physically overpower multiple men underscores the formidable nature of the spiritual forces arrayed against humanity, a theme further developed in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare"). Thirdly, it serves as a potent warning about the **consequences of spiritual presumption and the misuse of God's name**, emphasizing that such actions can lead to disastrous personal humiliation and defeat. Finally, paradoxically, this public failure of the sons of Sceva served to **further validate Paul's ministry and magnify the name of Jesus Christ** in Ephesus, leading to widespread fear and respect for the Lord, as recorded in [Acts 19:17-20](/acts/19-17-20 "Acts 19:17-20 - The Impact of the Incident").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This term refers to a human being generally, but in this context, it specifically denotes the individual who was possessed by the evil spirit. The use of "the man" rather than just "he" emphasizes his identity as the agent of the demonic power, highlighting that it was not his own strength but the spirit within him that acted.
* **leaped on (Greek, _ephállomai'_):** Derived from "upon" and "to spring," this verb vividly describes a sudden, aggressive, and forceful physical assault. It conveys the immediate and overwhelming nature of the demon's attack, emphasizing the possessed man's unexpected and violent motion against the exorcists.
* **overcame (Greek, _katakyrieúō'_):** This word means "to lord against," "to control," or "to subjugate." It signifies a complete and decisive victory, indicating that the demon-possessed man not only physically attacked but also gained absolute dominion and mastery over the sons of Sceva, rendering them powerless.
* **naked (Greek, _gymnós'_):** This term, meaning "nude" or "unclothed," can be literal or figurative. In this context, it strongly implies a literal stripping of their garments, which would have been a profound public humiliation in ancient society, signifying utter defeat, shame, and vulnerability. It underscores the severity of their subjugation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them":** This clause immediately establishes the source of the violent action—the man possessed by the "evil spirit" (πνεῦμα πονηρὸν, _pneûma ponēròn_). The verb "leaped on" (ἐφαλόμενος, _ephalómenos_) conveys a sudden, aggressive, and unexpected physical assault, demonstrating the demon's immediate and overwhelming response to the unauthorized exorcists.
* **"and overcame them, and prevailed against them":** These two phrases emphasize the complete and utter defeat of the sons of Sceva. "Overcame them" (κατεκυρίευσεν αὐτῶν, _katekuriyeusen autōn_) means the demon-possessed man gained full dominion and mastery over them, asserting his power. "Prevailed against them" (ἴσχυσεν κατ’ αὐτῶν, _ischysen kat’ autōn_) further reinforces this, indicating that he had superior strength and force, rendering their efforts futile. The repetition underscores the totality of their subjugation.
* **"so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded":** This final clause describes the humiliating and painful consequences for the sons of Sceva. The phrase "so that" (ὥστε, _hōste_) indicates the direct result of the demon's overwhelming power. Their flight signifies their complete rout. "Naked" (γυμνοὶ, _gymnoí_) implies they were stripped of their clothes, a public act of profound shame and vulnerability in the ancient world. "Wounded" (τετραυματισμένοι, _tetraumatisoménoi_) indicates physical injury, highlighting the violent nature of the encounter. This outcome serves as a stark visual testament to their spiritual presumption and the demon's power.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [Acts 19:16](/acts/19-16 "Acts 19:16 - The Sons of Sceva's Defeat") employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. **Dramatic Narrative** is evident in the sudden and violent escalation of the encounter, transforming a presumed exorcism into a humiliating rout. The demon's verbal challenge in the preceding verse ([Acts 19:15](/acts/19-15 "Acts 19:15 - The Demon's Rebuke")) sets up a moment of intense **Irony**, as those attempting to wield spiritual authority are utterly defeated by the very entity they sought to control. The description of the sons of Sceva fleeing "naked and wounded" is a potent use of **Hyperbole** and **Symbolism**. While possibly literal, "naked" powerfully symbolizes their utter humiliation, vulnerability, and loss of dignity and authority. It is a visual metaphor for their spiritual exposure and shame. The entire episode functions as a **Cautionary Tale**, serving as a vivid warning against spiritual presumption and the dangers of attempting to manipulate divine power without genuine faith or a true relationship with Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:16 powerfully underscores the critical distinction between authentic spiritual authority, derived from a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, and mere imitation or presumption. The incident reveals the tangible reality and malevolent power of demonic forces, which are not to be trifled with, and highlights that spiritual warfare is not a game of incantations but a clash of kingdoms where only the authority of Christ prevails. The humiliation of the sons of Sceva serves as a stark warning against attempting to use God's name for personal gain or without true faith, emphasizing that spiritual power flows from divine appointment and submission, not from human manipulation. This event ultimately served to magnify the name of Jesus and instill a healthy fear and respect for the Lord in Ephesus, validating the authenticity of Paul's Spirit-empowered ministry.

* [Mark 9:38-40](/mark/9-38-40 "Mark 9:38-40 - Jesus' Disciples and Unauthorized Exorcists")
* [Luke 10:17-20](/luke/10-17-20 "Luke 10:17-20 - The Seventy-Two Return")
* [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic account in Acts 19:16 serves as a profound and enduring lesson for believers today. It calls us to a deep examination of the source of our spiritual confidence and authority. Are we relying on a genuine, living relationship with Jesus Christ, or are we, like the sons of Sceva, attempting to appropriate spiritual power through formulaic repetition or borrowed authority without true submission and faith? This passage reminds us that the spiritual realm is intensely real, and demonic forces are formidable adversaries, not to be underestimated or approached casually. Our authority in spiritual warfare comes solely from being "in Christ," clothed in His righteousness and empowered by His Spirit, not from our own strength or cleverness. It compels us to cultivate a life of authentic faith, humility, and dependence on God, understanding that true power belongs to Him alone, and He shares it with those who are truly His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to operate on borrowed authority or spiritual presumption rather than genuine faith and relationship with Christ?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of spiritual warfare and the reality of evil forces?**
* **What does "naked and wounded" symbolize in my own spiritual journey when I attempt to operate outside of God's will or authority?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus that grounds my spiritual authority and protects me from presumption?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the sons of Sceva being "naked and wounded"?**

Answer: The state of being "naked and wounded" was highly significant. "Naked" (Greek, _gymnós_) in this context likely means they were literally stripped of their outer garments, which in ancient culture was a profound act of public humiliation, shame, and vulnerability. It symbolized their utter defeat and loss of dignity. "Wounded" (Greek, _traumatízō_) indicates physical injury, showing the violent and painful nature of the encounter. Together, these details underscore the complete and devastating defeat inflicted by the demon-possessed man, serving as a stark visual testament to the consequences of their spiritual presumption and the power of the evil spirit. It was a public spectacle that magnified the true authority of Jesus and Paul.

**Why did the evil spirit recognize Jesus and Paul but not the sons of Sceva?**

Answer: The evil spirit's recognition, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" ([Acts 19:15](/acts/19-15 "Acts 19:15 - The Demon's Response")), highlights the crucial difference between genuine spiritual authority and mere imitation. The demon recognized Jesus because He is the supreme authority and victor over all spiritual powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). It recognized Paul because Paul was a legitimate apostle, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and operating under Christ's direct authority. The sons of Sceva, however, lacked this authentic connection. They were attempting to use Jesus' name as a magical incantation, a formula, rather than as an expression of a personal relationship and divine commission. The demon, being a spiritual entity, discerned their lack of true authority and exposed their pretense, demonstrating that spiritual power is not a tool to be wielded by anyone, but flows from God's sovereign will through His appointed servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic events of [Acts 19:16](/acts/19-16 "Acts 19:16 - The Demon's Victory Over the Sons of Sceva") find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who alone possesses absolute authority over all spiritual powers. The humiliation of the sons of Sceva starkly contrasts with Christ's effortless and complete dominion over demons throughout His earthly ministry, as seen in passages like [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits"), where people were astonished at His power. Jesus is the true "stronger man" who binds the "strong man" (Satan and his forces) and plunders his house ([Matthew 12:29](/matthew/12-29 "Matthew 12:29 - Jesus and Beelzebul")). His death and resurrection represent the definitive triumph over all principalities and powers, disarming them and leading them in triumph ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). Believers are now given authority to cast out demons not by their own power or a borrowed formula, but by virtue of their union with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, operating in His name and under His supreme authority ([Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over Serpents and Scorpions")). The incident in Ephesus thus serves as a powerful reminder that all true spiritual power flows from Christ, the victorious Lamb of God ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")), and is exercised only by those genuinely united to 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

Luke 8:29

(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

Mark 5:3

Who had [his] dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:

Mark 5:4

Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any [man] tame him.

Mark 5:15

And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

Luke 8:35

Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.