TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on Acts 19 verses 13–20
The preachers of the gospel were sent forth to carry on a war against Satan, and therein Christ went forth conquering and to conquer. The casting of evil spirits out of those that were possessed was one instance of Christ's victory over Satan; but, to show in how many ways Christ triumphed over that great enemy, we have here in these verses two remarkable instances of the conquest of Satan, not only in those that were violently possessed by him, but in those that were voluntarily devoted to him.
I. Here is the confusion of some of Satan's servants, some vagabond Jews, that were exorcists, who made use of Christ's name profanely and wickedly in their diabolical enchantments, but were made to pay dearly for their presumption. Observe,
1.The general character of those who were guilty of this presumption. They were Jews, but vagabond Jews, were of the Jewish nation and religion, but went about from town to town to get money by conjuring. They strolled about to tell people their fortunes, and pretended by spells and charms to cure diseases, and bring people to themselves that were melancholy or distracted. They called themselves exorcists, because in doing their tricks they used forms of adjuration, by such and such commanding names. The superstitious Jews, to put a reputation upon these magic arts, wickedly attributed the invention of them to Solomon. So Josephus (Antiq. 8.45-46) says that Solomon composed charms by which diseases were cured, and devils driven out so as never to return; and that these operations continued common among the Jews to his time. And Christ seems to refer to this (Mat 12:27), By whom do your children cast them out?
2.A particular account of some at Ephesus that led this course of life and came thither in their travels; they were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, Act 19:14. It is sad to see the house of Jacob thus degenerated, much more the house of Aaron, the family that was in a peculiar manner consecrated to God; it is truly sad to see any of that race in league with Satan. Their father was a chief of the priests, head of one of the twenty-four courses of priests. One would think the temple would find both employment and encouragement enough for the sons of a chief priest, if they had been twice as many. But probably it was a vain, rambling, rakish humour that led them to turn mountebanks, and wander all the world over to cure mad folks.
3.The profaneness they were guilty of: They took upon them to call over evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus; not as those who had a veneration for Christ and a confidence in his name, as we read of some who cast out devils in Christ's name and yet did not follow with his disciples (Luk 9:49), whom he would not have to be discouraged; but as those who were willing to try all methods to carry on their wicked trade, and, it should seem, had this design: - If the evil spirits should yield to an adjuration in the name of Jesus by those that did not believe in him, they would say it was no confirmation of his doctrine to those that did; for it was all one whether they believed it or no. If they should not yield to it, they would say the name of Christ was not so powerful as the other names they used, to which the devils had often by collusion yielded. They said, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches; not, "whom we believe in, or depend upon, or have any authority fRom." but whom Paul preaches; as if they had said, "We will try what that name will do." The exorcists in the Romish church, who pretend to cast the devil out of melancholy people by spells and charms which they understand not, and which, not having any divine warrant, cannot be used in faith, are the followers of these vagabond Jews.
4.The confusion they were put to in their impious operations. Let them not be deceived, God is not mocked, nor shall the glorious name of Jesus be prostituted to such a vile purpose as this; what communion hath Christ with Belial? (1.) The evil spirit gave them a sharp reply (Act 19:15): "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? I know that Jesus has conquered principalities and powers, and that Paul has authority in his name to cast out devils; but what power have you to command us in his name, or who gave you any such power? What have you to do to declare the power of Jesus, or to take his covenant and commands into your mouths, seeing you hate his instructions?" Psa 50:16, Psa 50:17. This was extorted out of the mouth of the evil spirit by the power of God, to gain honour to the gospel, and to put those to shame that made a bad use of Christ's name. Antichristian powers and factions pretend a mighty zeal for Jesus and Paul, and to have authority from them; but, when the matter comes to be looked into, it is a mere worldly secular interest that is to be thus supported; nay, it is an enmity to true religion: Jesus we know, and Paul we know; but who are you? (2.) The man in whom the evil spirit was gave them a warm reception, fell foul upon them, leaped upon them in the height of his frenzy and rage, overcame them and all their enchantments, prevailed against them, and was every way too hard for them; so that they fled out of the house, not only naked, but wounded; their clothes pulled off their backs, and their heads broken. This is written for a warning to all those who name the name of Christ, but do not depart from iniquity. The same enemy that overcomes them with his temptations will overcome them with his terrors; and their adjuring him in Christ's name to let them alone will be no security to them. If we resist the devil by a true and lively faith in Christ, he will flee from us; but if we think to resist him by the bare using of Christ's name, or any part of his word, as a spell or charm, he will prevail against us.
5.The general notice that was taken of this, and the good impression it made upon many (Act 19:17): This was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus. It was the common talk of the town; and the effect of it was, (1.) That men were terrified: fear fell on them all. In this instance they saw the malice of the devil whom they served, and the power of Christ whom they opposed; and both were awful considerations. They saw that the name of Christ was not to be trifled with, nor his religion compounded with pagan superstitions. (2.) That God was glorified; the name of the Lord Jesus, by which his faithful servants cast out devils and cured diseases, without any resistance, was the more magnified; for now it appeared to be a name above every name.
II. Here is the conversion of others of Satan's servants, with the evidences of their conversion.
1.Those that had been guilty of wicked practices confessed them, Act 19:18. Many that had believed and were baptized, but had not then been so particular as they might have been in the confession of their sins, were so terrified with these instances of the magnifying of the name of Jesus Christ that they came to Paul, or some of the other ministers that were with him, and confessed what evil lives they had led, and what a great deal of secret wickedness their own consciences charged them with, which the world knew not of - secret frauds and secret filthiness; they showed their deeds, took shame to themselves and gave glory to God and warning to others. These confessions were not extorted from them, but were voluntary, for the ease of their consciences, upon which the late miracles had struck a terror. Note, Where there is true contrition for sin there will be an ingenuous confession of sin to God in every prayer, and to man whom we have offended when the case requires it.
2.Those that had conversed with wicked books burnt them (Act 19:19): Many also of those who used curious arts, ta perierga - impertinent things; multa nihil ad se pertinentia satagentes - busy bodies (so the word is used, Th2 3:11; Ti1 5:13), that traded in the study of magic and divination, in books of judicial astrology, casting nativities, telling fortunes, raising and laying spirits, interpreting dreams, predicting future events, and the like, to which some think are to be added plays, romances, love-books, and unchaste and immodest poems - histrionica, amatoria, saltatoria. - Stres. These, having their consciences more awakened than ever to see the evil of those practices in which these books instructed them, brought their books together, and burnt them before all men. Ephesus was notorious for the use of these curious arts; hence spells and charms were called Literae Ephesiae. Here people furnished themselves with all those sorts of books, and, probably, had tutors to instruct them in those black arts. It was therefore much for the honour of Christ and his gospel to have such a noble testimony borne against those curious arts, in a place where they were so much in vogue. It is taken for granted that they were convinced of the evil of these curious arts, and resolved to deal in them no longer; but they did not think this enough unless they burnt their books. (1.) Thus they showed a holy indignation at the sins they had been guilty of; as the idolaters, when they were brought to repentance, said to their idols, Get you hence (Isa 30:22), and cast even those of silver and gold to the moles and to the bats, Isa 2:20. They thus took a pious revenge on those things that had been the instruments of sin to them, and proclaimed the force of their convictions of the evil of it, and that those very things were now detectable to them, as much as ever they had been delectable. (2.) Thus they showed their resolution never to return to the use of those arts, and the books which related to them, again. They were so fully convinced of the evil and danger of them that they would not throw the books by, within reach of a recall, upon supposition that it was possible they might change their mind; but, being stedfastly resolved never to make use of them, they burnt them. (3.) Thus they put away a temptation to return to them again. Had they kept the books by them, there was danger lest, when the heat of the present conviction was over, they should have the curiosity to look into them, and so be in danger of liking them and loving them again, and therefore they burnt them. Note, Those that truly repent of sin will keep themselves as far as possible from the occasions of it. (4.) Thus they prevented their doing mischief to others. If Judas had been by he would have said, "Sell them, and give the money to the poor;" or, "Buy Bibles and good books with it." But then who could tell into whose hands these dangerous books might fall, and what mischief might be done by them? it was therefore the safest course to commit them all to the flames. Those that are recovered from sin themselves will do all they can to keep others from falling into it, and will be much more afraid of laying an occasion of sin in the way of others. (5.) Thus they showed a contempt of the wealth of this world; for the price of the books was cast up, probably by those that persuaded them not to burn them, and it was found to be fifty thousand pieces of silver, which some compute to be fifteen hundred pounds of our money. It is probable that the books were scarce, perhaps prohibited, and therefore dear. Probably they had cost them so much; yet, being the devil's books, though they had been so foolish as to buy them, they did not think this would justify them in being so wicked as to sell them again. (6.) Thus they publicly testified their joy for their conversion from these wicked practices, as Matthew did by the great feast he made when Christ had called him from the receipt of custom. These converts joined together in making this bonfire, and made it before all men. They might have burnt the books privately, every one in his own house, but they chose to do it together, by consent, and to do it at the high cross (as we say), that Christ and his grace in them might be the more magnified, and all about them the more edified.
III. Here is a general account of the progress and success of the gospel in and about Ephesus (Act 19:20): So mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed. It is a blessed sight to see the word of God growing and prevailing mightily, as it did here. 1. To see it grow extensively, by the addition of many to the church. When still more and more are wrought upon by the gospel, and wrought up into a conformity to it, then it grows; when those that were least likely to yield to it, and that had been most stiff in their opposition to it, are captivated and brought into obedience to it, then it may be said to grow mightily. 2. To see it prevail extensively, by the advancement in knowledge and grace of those that are added to the church; when strong corruptions are mortified, vicious habits changed, evil customs of long standing broken off, and pleasant, gainful, fashionable sins are abandoned, then it prevails mightily; and Christ in it goes on conquering and to conquer.
For when to an age much more ignorant (than ours) they had disclosed certain well-concealed material substances, and several not well-revealed scientific arts-if it is true that they had laid bare the operations of metallurgy, and had divulged the natural properties of herbs, and had promulgated the powers of enchantments, and had traced out every curious art, even to the interpretation of the stars-they conferred properly and as it were peculiarly upon women that instrumental mean of womanly ostentation, the radiances of jewels wherewith necklaces are variegated, and the circlets of gold wherewith the arms are compressed, and the medicaments of orchil with which wools are coloured, and that black powder itself wherewith the eyelids and eyelashes are made prominent.
Every sinner must confess his sins and, through his self-conviction, turn away from continuing to commit them, so that he may become just according to the passage, “Confess your sins first so that you may be justified,” and the passage, “Just is the man who accuses himself.” The idolaters and magicians were so many in Ephesus that they prepared magicians’ books at a high price, as if these books held the most noble things in life. Upon believing in Christ, they did not sell them, even though there were many who wanted to obtain them, but they burned them. And they did this first so that no one could take part in their soul-destroying ruin, and second so that they could have no profit from it. For just as it is forbidden to offer to God the value of a dog or profit from impurity, so also did they judge it an injustice to lay at the apostles’ feet money from such a source.
It shows what our Savior’s disciples were; it shows the extraordinary influence of their words when they addressed their audience, that people so touched the depths of their souls, caught hold of and pierced the individual conscience, that men no longer hid anything away in concealment but brought forth their forbidden things to light and themselves completed the indictment of themselves and their own former wickedness. It shows what their pupils were like, how pure and honorable in disposition, determined that nothing evil in them should lurk below the surface, and how boldly they prided themselves on their change from the worse to the better. Yes, they who gave their magic books to the flames and voted for their complete destruction left no one in any doubt that they would never again have anything to do with sorcery, and from that day forth they were pure from the slightest suspicion of it.
Let those who accuse Christ’s disciples of being magicians be refuted by this reading, since it shows clearly that all magic is destroyed by the power of their teaching. See these people, not being incompetent but having great ability in this art, after being purified of the magical arts or of their customary demons, how they gathered together all the books of magic and burned them before all present at that time, even though they were of great value.
"And many of them that practised curious arts, brought their books together, and burnt them in the presence of all men" - having seen that there was no more use of them now that the demons themselves do these things - "and reckoned up the price of them, and found the amount fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed." And so he disputed in the school of one Tyrannus for two years: where were believers, and believers exceedingly advanced in the faith. Moreover Paul writes to them as to great men. Ephesus was famous for its sorcerers and magicians. The "curious arts" were arts connected with this sorcery and the books burned contained mysterious sentences and symbols which gave to them an extravagant worth in the eyes of the superstitious.
And many of those who had followed curious arts brought their books, etc. He calls curious arts the industry of magical arts, whose followers justly burn their books, valued at a great price, when they see the very demons they served honoring Jesus Christ the Lord and his apostles.
They found the sum to be fifty thousand silver coins. And in the Gospel's debtors under the number of fifty denarii, debts are forgiven. I believe that subsisting in this life with the five senses of the body, we transgress the precepts of the Decalogue. Here, however, due to the enormity of the magic crime, the number of a thousand is also added. Otherwise, the number fifty often refers to penance and the remission of sins, whence the Fiftieth Psalm of Penance, and the fiftieth year is one of remission.
Continue studying Acts 19:19 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Acts 19:19 vividly illustrates the profound impact of the Gospel in Ephesus, where many who had practiced magic and occult arts publicly renounced their past by gathering and burning their valuable books of spells and incantations. This dramatic act of repentance, estimated to be worth an astonishing fifty thousand pieces of silver, served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of Christ and the radical commitment required of new believers to forsake all that conflicts with their new allegiance to Him.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within Paul's remarkably effective and extended ministry in Ephesus, a period marked by extraordinary miracles and significant spiritual breakthroughs. Immediately preceding Acts 19:19 are accounts of God performing "extraordinary miracles" through Paul, even to the point of handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul's body bringing healing and expelling evil spirits (Acts 19:11-12). This divine power was starkly contrasted by the disastrous attempt of the seven sons of Sceva, itinerant Jewish exorcists, to invoke the name of Jesus without true faith. Their failed exorcism resulted in them being overpowered and humiliated by a demon, leading to widespread fear and a profound reverence for the name of the Lord Jesus throughout Ephesus. This incident, in particular, served as a catalyst, compelling many who had secretly practiced magic to openly confess their deeds and publicly renounce their former lives, culminating in the dramatic book burning described in Acts 19:19.
Historical & Cultural Context: Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in Asia Minor, renowned for its immense Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and its deep-seated association with magic, sorcery, and various occult practices. The city was a hub for diverse spiritual beliefs, including mystery cults, astrology, and the widespread use of "Ephesian letters" (charms or amulets inscribed with magical words believed to offer protection or power). Magic was not merely a fringe activity but an integral part of daily life and commerce, with practitioners often holding significant influence. The existence of numerous books detailing these "curious arts" (magic spells, incantations, astrological charts, and divination techniques) indicates a thriving industry around the occult. The immense value of the burned books—fifty thousand pieces of silver—underscores the pervasive nature and significant financial investment in these practices within Ephesian society, highlighting the radical nature of the converts' decision.
Key Themes: Acts 19:19 powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, it showcases Radical Repentance and Renunciation, demonstrating a profound and public turning away from sin. The burning of these valuable books was not a private decision but a visible, decisive declaration of new allegiance to Christ, signifying genuine sorrow for past deeds and a commitment to a transformed life. Secondly, the event highlights The Power of the Gospel Over Darkness. The destruction of these magical artifacts symbolizes the triumph of Christ's authority over spiritual darkness, idolatry, and all forms of occult power, proving the futility of relying on "curious arts" when faced with the true power of God. Finally, the significant cost involved—fifty thousand pieces of silver—emphasizes the Cost of Discipleship. This act illustrates that true faith often demands tangible sacrifices, requiring believers to abandon anything that conflicts with their commitment to Christ, regardless of its monetary or personal value, echoing Jesus' call to count the cost.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage makes effective use of Symbolism, where the burning of the magical books represents a decisive and irreversible break with a sinful past and a public declaration of allegiance to Christ. The fire itself is a symbol of purification and destruction of evil. The sheer monetary value of the books, "fifty thousand pieces of silver," functions as Hyperbole or at least a powerful numerical emphasis, underscoring the magnitude of the sacrifice and the pervasive nature of occult practices in Ephesus. This quantitative detail serves to amplify the impact of the converts' repentance, making the act of renunciation all the more dramatic and memorable. Furthermore, there is a strong element of Contrast between the impotent "curious arts" and the demonstrable, transforming power of the Gospel and the name of Jesus, as seen in the preceding verses.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:19 stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating that genuine conversion necessitates a radical break from practices and possessions that are antithetical to God's will. This public act of renunciation in Ephesus illustrates that true repentance is not merely an internal change of heart but often involves tangible, costly actions that demonstrate a new allegiance. It underscores the supremacy of Christ's authority over all spiritual forces, including those associated with magic and the occult, and serves as a blueprint for believers to identify and eliminate anything in their lives that hinders their walk with God or compromises their devotion to Him. The immense value of the burned books highlights the significant personal cost of discipleship, affirming that following Christ may require sacrificing what is highly esteemed in the world.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The radical repentance displayed by the Ephesian believers in Acts 19:19 offers a profound challenge and model for contemporary discipleship. It compels us to honestly examine our own lives, asking what "curious arts" or idols, whether overt or subtle, we may be clinging to that hinder our full devotion to Christ. This could manifest as reliance on superstition, engagement with entertainment that glorifies evil, attachment to material possessions, or even habits and relationships that pull us away from God. True conversion and ongoing spiritual growth often necessitate a clear, decisive break from past sinful influences and a willingness to make costly sacrifices. This passage reminds us that genuine repentance produces "fruit in keeping with repentance" (Luke 3:8), demonstrating our commitment through tangible actions. The public nature of the Ephesians' act also underscores the importance of accountability and transparent commitment within the Christian community, encouraging us to be bold in our faith and to openly renounce anything that competes with Christ for our allegiance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What were "curious arts" in Ephesus?
Answer: In Ephesus, "curious arts" (Greek: períerga) referred to a wide range of magical practices, sorcery, divination, incantations, spells, and other occult activities. These were not merely superstitions but a deeply ingrained part of the culture, often involving specific books, rituals, and charms believed to manipulate spiritual forces or predict the future. The city was notorious for these practices, and the "Ephesian letters" were well-known magical symbols. The burning of these books in Acts 19:19 signifies a complete break from this dark spiritual heritage.
Why was the value of the books, "fifty thousand pieces of silver," so significant?
Answer: The sum of "fifty thousand pieces of silver" (likely denarii, a Roman coin representing a day's wage) was an enormous amount, equivalent to over 137 years of a laborer's wages. This staggering figure highlights several key points: the widespread and lucrative nature of magic in Ephesus, the deep financial investment people had in these practices, and most importantly, the immense and costly sacrifice made by the new believers. Their willingness to destroy such valuable possessions demonstrated the sincerity and radical nature of their repentance and their commitment to Christ, prioritizing their new faith over material wealth (Matthew 6:19-21).
What is the theological significance of burning the books rather than selling them?
Answer: Burning the books, rather than selling them and donating the proceeds, carried profound theological significance. It symbolized a complete and irreversible renunciation of their past life and the "curious arts." Selling them, even for a good cause, might have implied that the practices themselves held some residual value or could be repurposed, or that the new believers were still deriving benefit from their past sins. Burning them demonstrated a total break, a public declaration that these practices were anathema and held no value in the light of Christ's supremacy. It was an act of purification and a powerful testimony to the absolute authority of Jesus over all spiritual darkness (Ephesians 5:11).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 19:19, while a historical account of radical repentance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The burning of the magical books in Ephesus powerfully foreshadows the definitive victory of Christ over all powers of darkness and sin. Just as these believers publicly renounced their former enslavement to "curious arts," so too does the Gospel call all humanity to turn from the dominion of sin and Satan to the liberating reign of Christ. Jesus, through His atoning death and resurrection, disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15). The immense value of the burned books signifies the costly nature of sin and the profound sacrifice required to be set free, yet it pales in comparison to the infinite cost of Christ's sacrifice, who paid the ultimate price to redeem us from the futility of our former ways (1 Peter 1:18-19). Thus, the Ephesian bonfire serves as a vivid illustration of the new creation in Christ, where old things pass away and all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17), empowered by the One who is above every name and every power (Ephesians 1:20-22).