Lexical Summary Skeuas: Sceva Original Word: σκευᾶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sceva. Apparently of Latin origin; left-handed; Scevas (i.e. Scoevus), an Israelite -- Sceva. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originperhaps of Latin origin Definition Sceva, a Jewish chief priest NASB Translation Sceva (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4630: ΣκευᾶςΣκευᾶς, Σκευᾶ (Winers Grammar, § 8, 1; Buttmann, 20 (18)), ὁ, Sceva, a certain chief priest (cf. ἀρχιερεύς, 2 at the end): Acts 19:14. Topical Lexicon Historical Background The account of Sceva appears during Paul’s extended ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-20), a city renowned for magic, mystery religions, and the Temple of Artemis. Luke records unusual demonstrations of divine power through Paul (Acts 19:11-12), setting the stage for a dramatic clash between true apostolic authority and human manipulation of spiritual forces. Identity and Family Sceva is introduced as “a Jewish chief priest” (Acts 19:14). Although no extra-biblical record lists him among Jerusalem’s high priests, the title suggests descent from one of the recognized priestly families. His seven sons traveled as itinerant exorcists, a practice attested in contemporary Jewish literature (cf. Josephus, Antiquities 8.2.5). Their priestly lineage lent social prestige, allowing them to market exorcistic formulas in a culture hungry for supernatural solutions. The Attempted Exorcism “Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this” (Acts 19:14). “This” refers to invoking “the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits, saying, ‘I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims’” (Acts 19:13). Treating the name of Jesus as a verbal charm, they lacked personal faith and the indwelling Spirit that authenticates true ministry (John 15:5; Acts 1:8). The evil spirit answered, “Jesus I know, and I recognize Paul, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15). The possessed man overpowered all seven, leaving them wounded and naked (Acts 19:16). The humiliation exposed the impotence of magic when divorced from submission to Christ’s lordship. Spiritual and Theological Significance 1. Authority resides in Jesus Himself, not in ritual words. The demons acknowledged His supremacy yet scorned unauthorized users of His name (James 2:19). Impact on Ephesus and the Spread of the Gospel “Fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified” (Acts 19:17). Many believers publicly burned occult scrolls worth fifty thousand drachmas (Acts 19:19), a costly renunciation demonstrating genuine repentance. “So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily” (Acts 19:20). The failure of Sceva’s sons became a catalyst for revival, contrasting human schemes with God’s unstoppable purpose. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry • Ministry must flow from personal relationship with Christ, not borrowed formulas (Matthew 7:22-23). Sceva’s brief appearance warns against presumptuous religion and underscores the sufficiency of Christ-given authority. The episode remains a vivid reminder that “the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Corinthians 4:20). Forms and Transliterations Σκευα Σκευᾶ σκευασίαν σκευαστόν Skeua SkeuâLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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