Lexical Summary exorkistés: Exorcist Original Word: ἐξορκιστής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance exorcist. From exorkizo; one that binds by an oath (or spell), i.e. (by implication) an "exorcist" (conjurer) -- exorcist. see GREEK exorkizo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1845 eksorkistḗs – an exorcist; a person expelling demons, adjuring (binding) them by using oaths ("God-formulas," religious incantations). See 1844 (eksorkizō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom exorkizó Definition an exorcist NASB Translation exorcists (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1845: ἐξορκιστήςἐξορκιστής, ἐξορκιστου, ὁ (ἐξορκίζω); 1. he who exacts an oath of another. 2. an exorcist, i. e. one who employs a formula of conjuration for expelling demons: Acts 19:13. (Josephus, Antiquities 8, 2, 5; Lucian, epigr. in Anthol. 11,427; often in the church Fathers.) The term translated “exorcist” appears only once in the Greek New Testament and describes itinerant practitioners who attempted to expel demons by ritual adjurations. Scripture records their activity in the city of Ephesus during Paul’s third missionary journey, providing a vivid contrast between human manipulation of spiritual formulas and the genuine authority vested in the name of Jesus Christ. Biblical Occurrence and Narrative Setting (Acts 19:11-20) Luke situates the episode amid an outpouring of miracles worked by God through Paul. The success of apostolic ministry attracted a group of traveling Jewish exorcists. Observing that evil spirits obeyed Paul when he invoked Jesus’ name, they tried to appropriate that name as a verbal charm: “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists invoked the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits. ‘I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims,’ they said” (Acts 19:13). Their attempt backfired; the demon acknowledged Jesus and Paul but overpowered the impostors, wounding and humiliating them. The incident became widely known, leading many in Ephesus to revere the Lord and openly renounce occult practices. Luke notes that costly books of magic were burned, and “the word of the Lord continued to spread and prevail with power” (Acts 19:20). Jewish and Greco-Roman Exorcism Traditions First-century Jewish literature (for example, Josephus, Antiquities 8.2.5) testifies to elaborate rituals invoking patriarchs, angels, or divine names to expel demons. Similar practices flourished in Greco-Roman magic, where incantations, amulets, and secret passwords promised protection from malevolent spirits. The exorcists in Acts likely blended elements from both worlds, reflecting Ephesus’s reputation as a center of magic arts. Contrast with Apostolic Authority 1. Source of power. Apostles drove out demons by direct commission from the risen Lord (Mark 3:14-15; Luke 10:17-19). The itinerant exorcists lacked covenant relationship with Christ and treated His name as a mystical formula. Spiritual Warfare and the Name of Jesus Acts 19 underscores that spiritual authority resides in the person of Jesus, not in syllables pronounced. Demons respond to genuine submission to Christ (James 4:7). Invoking His name without allegiance invites danger, for evil spirits recognize authenticity (Acts 19:15). The narrative thus illustrates Philippians 2:9-11, where every being will ultimately acknowledge Jesus’ lordship. Doctrinal Significance • Authentication of apostolic ministry—God validated Paul’s preaching through miracles, distinguishing true gospel power from magical arts. Practical Ministry Lessons • Spiritual gifts operate through relationship, not technique. Related Scriptures for Study • Matthew 12:28; Mark 1:27 – Jesus’ authority over demons. Historical Reception in the Church Early Christian writers such as Justin Martyr, Tertullian, and Origen cited Acts 19 to demonstrate that demons fear the true invocation of Jesus by believers while exposing pagan magic as powerless. Throughout church history, the passage has guided pastoral counsel against occult practices and informed liturgies of baptism and exorcism by emphasizing personal faith over ritual words. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 1845 highlights a singular but pivotal moment illustrating the futility of ritualistic manipulation and the supremacy of Christ’s authority. The account calls believers to authentic discipleship, confident warfare against evil, and uncompromised devotion to the Lord whose name alone commands every power of darkness. |
    |