Topical Bible: Sorcery: Practiced by Sons of Sceva

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the sons of Sceva practicing sorcery is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 19:11-20. This narrative provides a vivid illustration of the clash between true divine power and counterfeit spiritual practices. The sons of Sceva were itinerant Jewish exorcists who attempted to invoke the name of Jesus to cast out evil spirits, despite lacking a genuine relationship with Him.

Biblical Context

The setting of this account is Ephesus, a city known for its fascination with magic and the occult. The Apostle Paul was performing extraordinary miracles in Ephesus, as described in Acts 19:11-12 : "God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them."

The Sons of Sceva

The sons of Sceva were seven brothers, sons of a Jewish chief priest named Sceva. They observed the powerful works being done in the name of Jesus and sought to appropriate this power for themselves. Acts 19:13-14 states: "Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, 'I adjure you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.' Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this."

The Confrontation

The attempt by the sons of Sceva to use the name of Jesus as a magical incantation resulted in a dramatic confrontation. Acts 19:15-16 recounts: "But the evil spirit answered them, 'Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?' Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them, overpowered them all, and prevailed against them, so that they fled from that house naked and wounded."

Implications and Impact

This incident underscores the distinction between genuine faith and mere ritualistic or superstitious practices. The sons of Sceva lacked the authority and relationship with Christ that empowered Paul's ministry. Their failure highlighted the futility of attempting to manipulate spiritual forces without true belief and submission to God.

The aftermath of this event had a profound impact on the city of Ephesus. Acts 19:17-20 describes the reaction: "When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many who had believed now came forward, confessing and disclosing their deeds. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books and burned them in front of everyone. When the value of the books was calculated, it came to fifty thousand drachmas. So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail."

Theological Significance

The account of the sons of Sceva serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of syncretism and the misuse of spiritual authority. It illustrates the supremacy of Christ's power over all forms of sorcery and magic, emphasizing that true spiritual authority comes from a personal relationship with Jesus. This narrative also demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel, as evidenced by the public renunciation of magical practices and the exaltation of the name of Jesus in Ephesus.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 19:14,15
And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Ephesus
... Sorcery had been prohibited by the Mosaic law, on pain of ... time to time it had been
secretly practiced by apostate Jews ... An attempt was made by "seven sons of one ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 27 ephesus.htm

Acts xix. 8, 9
... perierga were arts connected with this sorcery and the ... believers (pon pepisteukoton)
who still practiced magic come ... to be "these exorcists" the sons of Sceva ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xli acts xix 8.htm