Acts 19:17

KJV

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} this {G5124} was {G1096} known {G1110} to all {G3956} the Jews {G2453} and {G5037} Greeks {G1672} also {G2532} dwelling {G2730} at Ephesus {G2181}; and {G2532} fear {G5401} fell {G1968} on {G1909} them {G846} all {G3956}, and {G2532} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} was magnified {G3170}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When all this became known to the residents of Ephesus, fear fell on all of them, Jews and Greeks alike; and the name of the Lord Yeshua came to be held in high regard.

Berean Standard Bible

This became known to all the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, and fear came over all of them. So the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.

American Standard Version

And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, that dwelt at Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:17 records the profound and widespread impact of a supernatural encounter in Ephesus, where the failure of Jewish exorcists to manipulate the name of Jesus resulted in a public demonstration of divine power. This incident, known to both the Jewish and Greek populations, instilled a deep sense of awe and reverence for God, ultimately leading to the exaltation and magnification of the name of the Lord Jesus throughout the city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of the sons of Sceva, seven Jewish exorcists, attempting to cast out a demon by invoking the name of "Jesus whom Paul preaches" ([Acts 19:13-16](/acts/19-13-16 "Acts 19:13-16 - The Sons of Sceva Incident")). Unlike Paul, who performed "extraordinary miracles" through genuine divine power ([Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - Paul's Miracles in Ephesus")), these men lacked true spiritual authority. The demon-possessed man, empowered by the evil spirit, not only recognized their lack of legitimate connection to Jesus but also violently overpowered them, leaving them naked and wounded. Verse 17 serves as the immediate consequence and theological summation of this humiliating defeat, highlighting how God used even a negative event to further His kingdom and glorify His Son.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in Asia Minor, renowned for its temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a hub of diverse religious practices, including magic, idolatry, and various forms of syncretism, where people often sought to combine different spiritual powers. Jewish communities in the diaspora, including Ephesus, sometimes engaged in exorcism, drawing upon traditional Jewish practices and the reputation of figures like Solomon. In this environment, the public humiliation of the sons of Sceva, who were likely seen as religious professionals, would have been particularly shocking and impactful, demonstrating the clear superiority of the power of Jesus over any other spiritual or magical claim prevalent in the city.
* **Key Themes:** This incident profoundly reinforces several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Authenticity**, clearly distinguishing between true spiritual power, which flows from genuine relationship with and submission to Christ, and mere imitation or superstitious manipulation of sacred names. Secondly, the reaction of "fear fell on them all" introduces the theme of **Reverence and Awe** for God's holiness and power, a healthy and appropriate response to a clear manifestation of divine sovereignty in a world accustomed to human attempts at spiritual control. Finally, the ultimate outcome, that "the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified," highlights the overarching theme of **God's Glorification of Christ**, demonstrating that even through unexpected or challenging circumstances, God works to exalt His Son and authenticate the gospel message, as seen throughout [Paul's ministry in Ephesus](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **known (Greek, _gnōstós'_):** From the root meaning "to know," this word signifies something that is "well-known" or "notable." Its use here emphasizes the widespread and undeniable nature of the event; it wasn't a rumor but a publicly acknowledged fact across the diverse populations of Ephesus. The incident was so dramatic and humiliating that it could not be contained or hidden, ensuring its notoriety.
* **fear (Greek, _phóbos'_):** While often translated as "dread" or "terror," in a religious context, _phóbos_ frequently denotes a profound sense of awe, reverence, or respectful fear of God. It implies a recognition of divine power and holiness that inspires humility and a proper regard for spiritual realities. Here, it suggests a shift from casual curiosity or superstitious manipulation to a deep, solemn respect for the true authority of Jesus.
* **magnified (Greek, _megalýnō'_):** Derived from the word for "great," this verb means "to make great," "to extol," or "to glorify." It indicates that the name of Jesus was not merely acknowledged but elevated, honored, and declared supreme. This magnification was a direct result of the demonstration of His unique and unchallengeable authority, contrasting sharply with the impotence of the sons of Sceva.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus":** This clause emphasizes the broad reach and public nature of the incident involving the sons of Sceva. The news spread rapidly and comprehensively throughout the city's diverse population, encompassing both the Jewish community, who would have understood the implications of a failed exorcism by fellow Jews, and the Greek populace, who were deeply immersed in various magical and religious practices. The public humiliation of the exorcists served as an undeniable testimony to the unique power of Jesus.
* **"and fear fell on them all":** The immediate consequence of this widespread knowledge was a profound spiritual reaction. The "fear" was not simply terror, but a deep, reverential awe and respect for the divine power that had been so clearly displayed. It was a recognition of the seriousness of spiritual realities and the immense authority of the Lord Jesus, prompting a healthy apprehension of God's holiness and judgment. This fear marked a turning point for many, shifting their perspective on spiritual power.
* **"and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified":** This climactic phrase reveals the ultimate spiritual outcome. The public display of Jesus' authority, even through the failure of others, led to His name being glorified, exalted, and held in high esteem. This was not a magnification by human effort, but a divine vindication of Jesus' supremacy. The incident served to authenticate the message of Paul and the early church, demonstrating that the power associated with Jesus' name was real, unique, and incomparably superior to any other spiritual force or human attempt to control the spiritual realm.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, highlighting the stark difference between the authentic power of Jesus, demonstrated through Paul, and the impotent imitation of the sons of Sceva. This contrast serves to underscore the unique authority of Christ. The phrase "known to **all** the Jews and Greeks **also** dwelling at Ephesus" uses a form of **hyperbole** or **synecdoche** to emphasize the widespread and undeniable nature of the event, indicating that the news permeated every segment of society. Furthermore, the entire narrative leading up to and including this verse functions as a **divine manifestation** or **theophany** (though indirect), where God's power and Christ's supremacy are visibly and powerfully revealed through the dramatic events, compelling a response of "fear" and leading to the **magnification** of Jesus' name. This magnification itself is a form of **exaltation**, a literary and theological act of raising something to a position of honor and glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the sovereignty of God and the unique authority of Jesus Christ. It demonstrates that divine power is not a formula to be manipulated but flows from a genuine relationship with the Lord and submission to His will. The incident in Ephesus served as a divine authentication of the gospel message, showing that the name of Jesus carries inherent power and authority that cannot be mimicked or exploited. The resulting "fear" was a salutary, God-given reverence, leading people to acknowledge God's holiness and the serious nature of spiritual realities. This public display of Christ's supremacy over demonic forces and human presumption was a pivotal moment, validating the Christian message and paving the way for further spiritual transformation in Ephesus.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exalted Name")
* [Luke 10:19-20](/luke/10-19-20 "Luke 10:19-20 - Authority Over Demons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 19:17 offers profound lessons for believers today, underscoring the critical importance of authentic faith and genuine submission to Christ's authority. It reminds us that spiritual power is not a commodity to be wielded through mere words or rituals, but an outflow of a living relationship with the Lord Jesus. We are called to walk in integrity, recognizing that God will vindicate His name and His truth, often through unexpected circumstances. This passage challenges us to examine our own motives and methods in ministry, ensuring that our actions truly magnify Christ and not ourselves. It also encourages us to cultivate a healthy, reverential fear of the Lord, acknowledging His supreme power and holiness in all aspects of our lives. When we truly honor Jesus, His name will be magnified through us, drawing others to Him and demonstrating His unmatched power to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the incident with the sons of Sceva challenge our understanding of spiritual authority and genuine faith?**
* **In what ways might we, even unintentionally, attempt to use God's name or spiritual practices without true reverence or submission?**
* **What does it mean for "fear" to fall on people in a positive, reverential sense, and how can we cultivate such awe for God today?**
* **How can our lives and ministries contribute to the "magnification of the name of the Lord Jesus" in our contemporary context?**

### FAQ
**What was the "this" that was known to all the Jews and Greeks in Ephesus?**

Answer: The "this" refers to the dramatic and humiliating incident involving the seven sons of Sceva, Jewish exorcists who attempted to cast out a demon by invoking the name of Jesus, but without genuine faith or authority. The demon-possessed man not only recognized their lack of true connection to Jesus but also violently overpowered them, leaving them naked and wounded ([Acts 19:13-16](/acts/19-13-16 "Acts 19:13-16 - The Sons of Sceva Incident")). This public defeat of the exorcists, who were likely seen as religious professionals, became widely known throughout the diverse city of Ephesus, among both its Jewish and Greek inhabitants, serving as a clear demonstration of the unique and unchallengeable power of the Lord Jesus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 19:17, while describing a specific historical event, powerfully foreshadows and participates in the broader Christ-centered narrative of God's redemptive plan. The "magnification of the name of the Lord Jesus" in Ephesus is a tangible demonstration of the truth proclaimed in the New Testament: that God has "highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Jesus' Exalted Name")). Jesus' victory over demonic powers, even when His name is misused, underscores His ultimate triumph over all spiritual principalities and powers, a victory secured through His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The fear that fell upon the people was a recognition of Christ's divine authority, echoing the awe inspired by His miracles and teachings throughout the Gospels, and pointing to the day when "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue 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")). Thus, this Ephesian incident is a microcosm of Christ's ongoing reign and the progressive revelation of His supreme Lordship, drawing all people to acknowledge His saving power and unmatched glory.

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

2 Thessalonians 1:12

That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 5:5

And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

Acts 5:11

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

2 Thessalonians 3:1

¶ Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have [free] course, and be glorified, even as [it is] with you:

Philippians 2:9

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 1:20

According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.