Acts 19:15

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?

Commentary

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

  • Authentic Spiritual Authority: The evil spirit's response starkly differentiates between genuine spiritual authority, exemplified by Jesus and Paul, and mere imitation. The spirit recognizes Jesus's inherent divine power (Mark 1:27) and the delegated authority given to His true apostles, like Paul, through a direct relationship with God.
  • The Danger of Imitation: The sons of Sceva learned a harsh lesson about using sacred names or spiritual practices without a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Their attempt was based on superstition and a desire to replicate Paul's success, not on faith or divine commission. This highlights the peril of spiritual presumption and the importance of genuine conversion.
  • Demonic Recognition of Divine Power: Even evil spirits are aware of and acknowledge the supreme power of Jesus and, by extension, those who truly belong to Him and operate under His anointing. The phrase "Jesus I know, and Paul I know" is a chilling testament to the spiritual realm's awareness of God's true servants and His ultimate dominion over all spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12).

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:

  • Genuine Relationship Over Ritual: True spiritual power comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not from merely invoking His name or imitating the actions of others. Our authority in spiritual matters is derived from abiding in Christ (John 15:5).
  • Humility in Ministry: Ministry should flow from a divine calling and empowerment, not from a desire for fame or personal gain. The sons of Sceva's humiliation underscores the need for humility and authenticity in serving God.
  • Spiritual Discernment: It encourages discernment, reminding us that not all who claim to operate in spiritual power are truly authorized by God. The spiritual realm is real, and the forces of darkness recognize genuine authority.

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.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 16:17 (9 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • Mark 5:13 (8 votes)

    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.