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Name: Rebecca Jordan
BIBLE STUDY PROJECT: OBSERVATION
Passage: Acts 19:11-22
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 – In both versions, the text translates that while God was making miracles happen
through the hands of Paul some Jewish exorcists attempted to work their own miracles in the
name of Jesus. Unfortunately, the evil spirits overtook them eventually.
2. Similarity – In both versions, many that practiced magic brough their books and began to burn
them in front of many. After seeing all the books, they priced them all to be at fifty thousand
pieces of silver.
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3. Difference – In the functional version, in verse thirteen the Jewish exorcists order the people
with evil in the name of Jesus. While in the formal version, the same verse those exorcists adjure
the people by Jesus.
4. Difference – In the formal version, the title of the passage suggests that it will be mainly about
the Sons of Sceva when it is about the evil spirits taking over Ephesus like the title suggests in
the functional version.
5. Difference – In verse twenty-one of the formal version, the way Paul’s travel is listed makes it
a tad confusing. However, in the functional version it tells us he will go through Macedonia and
Achaia to get to Jerusalem.
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying.
1. Main characters: (List them)
Paul
Jewish exorcists
Seven sons of Sceva
Timothy and Erastus
Demonic spirit
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
The plot of these verses consists of many of the practitioners of witchcraft living throughout
Ephesus and Jewish exorcists taking advantage of the demonic activities. However, through the
hands of God Paul began the people of Ephesus and casting out the evil spirits. After seeing these
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miracles, many of the people who believed in witchcraft renounced their activities and the fear of
the Lord spread throughout the land.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
Introduction: Paul performed miracles through God while Jewish priests conducted exorcisms.
Inciting Incident: An unidentified person is cursed by a wicked spirit and the Seven Sons of
Sceva attempt to communicate with the demon.
Rising Action: While the Jewish priests communicate with the spirit, it responds by saying they
are not acquainted, and the spirit cannot identify Paul or Jesus.
Climax: The unknown person pounces on and overcomes the priests being forced by the evil
spirit. The priests are injured when they left the place.
Falling Action: The Jews and Greeks of the land are terrified after hearing the news. Many meet
and burn their books of magic.
Resolution: Paul and his aids moved on to Asia to help the next set of people.
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.
1. Who:
oLuke (Author of the Book of Acts)
oJesus Christ and the Almighty God (the reason why Paul was performing said
miracles)
oPaul (The healer and primary character)
oJewish Chief Priests / Seven Sons of Sceva (Exorcists of demon spirits, main
characters)
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oUnknown person possessed by evil spirit (Jewish Priests performed the
exorcism on him)
oResident Jews and Greeks (not main characters)
oTimothy and Erastus (Paul’s helpers who are mentioned at the end)
2. What:
Through God, Paul was performing miracles such as healing and curing the people possessed by
demonic spirits. At the same time the Seven Sons of Sceva attempted to perform an exorcism on
a demonic spirit, but the spirit did not recognize them as Paul or Jesus so it attacked them.
Once the Jew and Greek people learned about the priest returning naked and wounded from the
evil spirits, they become fearful and desert their witchcraft.
After the events, Paul sends off Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia while he remains in Asia for
some time.
3. Where:
Ephesus
Jerusalem, Achaia and Rome
Asia Region
Macedonia
4. When:
“This went on for two years so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asai
heard the word of the Lord” (Acts, 19:10).
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5. Why:
Why are the people of Ephesus getting healed?
oPaul is healing to save the people from demonic spirits through the hands of God.
Why does the evil spirit attack the Jewish priests?
oRealizing that the Seven Sons were neither Jesus or Paul, the spirit decided to
overtake them because God never gave them the capacity to be powerful.
Why did the people of Ephesus get rid of their scrolls and books?
oThe people became fearful of the power of the Lord that he had given Paul. They
also were afraid of the evil spirit after the incident with the sons of Sceva.
6. How:
How did Paul and his helpers end up in Asia?
oPaul continued his journey to arrive in Asia after witnessing the people of
Ephesus burn their witchcraft and fear the Lord.
How did Paul assist the people?
oPaul served the people through God’s hands and will. The Lord made him a
prophet and was positive Paul wouldn’t abuse his power or authority for his
personal gain.
How did the Jews and Greeks feel after the loss of the Seven Sons of Sceva?
oThe people started to fear the Lord, especially after seeing the miracles of Paul
through him. They were made aware of the strength of God’s power through
witnessing what happened to the priests after they attempted to take advantage of
it.
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Bibliography
The Bible. New Century Version. (2005). NCV Online.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+19&version=NCV
The Holy Bible. English Standard Version. (2016). ESV Online.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+19&version=ESV
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