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Name: Jennifer Kennedy
Bible Study Project: Observation Template
Passage: Acts 19:11-22
I. Observation
A. I have read Acts 19:11-22 in both a formal translation (NASB, NRSV, ESV, or
CSB)
and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct
answer. Please use the translation provided in your digital library or found
at Biblegateway.com
o Yes
o No
B. Having read the passage in both formal and functional translation, list at least 2
similarities and 3 differences between the way both translations cover this
story. These similarities and differences should be related to the text itself rather
than the translation. For example, an observation like, “The formal translation is
harder to read” is not an acceptable observation because it deals with the
translation itself rather than the text. You may list as many similarities and
differences that you find providing that you meet the minimum amount for each
one.
1. Similarity – Both translations (ESV & NIV) recognize Paul as creating
miracles with the help of the Lord.
2. Similarity – Both translations acknowledge “evil spirits” and identifying
Jewish priests as the ones attempting to expel evil spirits. Both versions also
accept that the Jewish were held accountable for a job that was meant for
Paul.
3. Difference – Acts 19:16 (ESV) “naked and wounded” vs (NIV) “naked and
bleeding. The ESV translation never specifies the wounds are bloodied or
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external or internal. This could potentially lead some to later perceive the
harm caused by evil spirits as either less or more.
4. Difference - In Acts 19:13, there is a notable difference in wording between
the (ESV) and (NIV) translations. The NIV states "some of the Jews, who
went around driving out evil spirits, tried to invoke the name of the Lord
Jesus over those who were demon-possessed." However, the ESV version
says, "Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the
name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, as they had witnessed
Paul preaching." So, while both acknowledge Jewish efforts to expel evil
spirits by invoking Jesus' name, the ESV specifies they were "itinerant
Jewish exorcists" - traveling practitioners of exorcism rituals. Additionally,
the ESV directly ties their actions to Paul's proclamations about Jesus,
implying these traveling exorcists were motivated by witnessing Paul's
preaching.
5. Difference - The difference in wording between the (NIV) and (ESV)
translations extends to Acts 19:19 as well. The NIV states they "practiced
sorcery", while the ESV states it as those who "practiced magic arts". The
term "sorcery" used in the NIV bears darker connotations, more
explicitly linking their practices to the occult and black magic - implying
outright evil and forbidden acts. While, the ESV's "magic arts" has a
slightly softer connotation, suggesting more of a performance or illusion
aspect.
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying.
1. Main characters: (List them)
• Paul, Jewish chief priests (Seven sons of Sceva), Erastus, Timothy
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
Paul performed miraculous works for God by healing people from illnesses and
demonic possession. Some Jews tried to assist Paul by attempting an exorcism,
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thinking it was a service to God. A group called the Seven Sons of Sceva
performed an exorcism on an unnamed individual. However, the evil spirit
responded, stating it recognized Jesus and Paul's works but did not know these
men. The possessed man then attacked and overpowered them. When the Jews
and Greeks witnessed this, they became fearful of God and discarded their magic
scrolls. Paul decided to travel to Jerusalem but first sent his helpers Timothy and
Erastus ahead, while he remained in the province of Asia for a while longer.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Introduction: Through divine power, Paul performed miracles, while Jewish
priests attempted to cast out evil spirits through exorcisms.
Inciting Incident: The group known as the Seven Sons of Sceva specifically
addressed an evil spirit “possessing” an unnamed individual.
Rising Action: When the Jewish priests spoke to the spirit, it responded by
indicating they were unfamiliar figures, not recognizing Paul or Jesus.
Climax: The evil spirit caused the “possessed” man to attack and overpower the
priests, leaving them injured.
Falling action: This event instilled fear in the Jews and Greeks present. Many
confessed their practices and burned scrolls and items of magic worth a
significant sum.
Resolution: The resolution of the story is the community's attitude towards
magic and evil spirits. After witnessing the power of the evil spirit and the
inability of the Seven Sons of Sceva to control it, many people in Ephesus turned
away from magic. They confessed their wrongdoings and burned their scrolls,
showing a newfound respect for the power of God and a rejection of evil spirits.
This event led to the word of the Lord growing in power and influence.
D. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for
observation.
Remember to consult and review chapters 17 and 37 in Everyday Bible
Study. This will help you be more detailed in your answers to “who,” “what,”
“where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.” Please be detailed and specific.
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1. Who:
• Paul performs miracles with the help of God (author)
• The Seven Sons of Sceva, Jewish chief priests, attempt to cast out evil
spirits but are overpowered.
• The people of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, witness the events.
2. What:
God was performing extraordinary miracles through Paul.
Paul performs extraordinary miracles, including healing and casting
out evil spirits.
The Seven Sons of Sceva attempt to cast out demons using the name
of Jesus but fail.
The evil spirit recognizes the authority of Jesus and Paul but not of
the sons of Sceva.
Fear falls upon the residents of Ephesus, leading many to confess
their sins and burn their magic scrolls.
Paul decides to travel to Jerusalem.
3. Where:
• The events occur in the city of Ephesus, a major city in ancient
Greece.
4. When:
• The events take place during Paul's third missionary journey, which
is generally dated around 53-57 AD.
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5. Why:
• God was performing miracles through Paul to affirm the truth of his
message and to demonstrate His power.
• The sons of Sceva were trying to use the name of Jesus to cast out
demons, but they did not have a personal relationship with Jesus.
• The evil spirit recognized the authority of Jesus and Paul but not of
the sons of Sceva, demonstrating that spiritual authority comes from
a personal relationship with Jesus, not just knowledge about Him.
• The incident led to a fear of God and a high regard for the name of
Jesus in Ephesus, leading many to confess their sins and turn away
from their magic practices.
• Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, perhaps to report on his mission or
to bring the collection he had been gathering for the poor in
Jerusalem.
6. How:
• God performed miracles through Paul, perhaps through his preaching, healing,
and casting out of demons.
• The sons of Sceva attempted to cast out demons by invoking the name of Jesus,
but they were overpowered by the evil spirit because they did not have a
personal
