BIBL 104
Name: Victoria Sellick
BIBLE STUDY PROJECT: OBSERVATION TEMPLATE
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
oYes
oNo
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 – The paragraph clarifies that the seven exorcists mentioned were really
the offspring of Sceva, who held the esteemed position of Jewish high priest.
2. Similarity – According to both translations, the total worth of the immoral
possessions that were surrendered was fixed at fifty thousand silver pieces.
3. Difference – According to the NIV translation, exorcists are described as
"commanding" demonic spirits to leave the individuals they possess. In contrast, the
ESV version describes the exorcists as saying, "I adjure you by the name of Jesus
whom Paul proclaims," suggesting that the act of expulsion was more of a plea
made in the name of Jesus rather than a direct command.
4. Difference - . The ESV version of the passage highlights Paul's determination, as he
"resolved in the spirit," before to dispatching Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia.
This detail is significant as it underscores Paul's unwavering devotion to the Lord,
even amongst his own hardships. The absence of this particular feature is not
evident in the NIV version.
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BIBL 104
5. Difference - According to the NIV translation, it is said that Paul sent Timothy and
Erastus to Macedonia, while he himself remained in the province of Asia. The ESV
version does not include clear information on the specific individuals that Paul sent
to Macedonia. Rather, it just indicates that two of Paul's associates were sent on this
mission.
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying.
1. Main characters: (List them)
Paul
Timothy
Erastus
Sceva’s seven sons.
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
Through Paul, God conducts miracles in which individuals possessed by malevolent
spirits are delivered from demons. This motivates a group of Jewish exorcists to
invoke divine intervention in order to drive malevolent spirits from the demon-
possessed. Nevertheless, in the event that a particular target of the exorcism fails to
identify the group of exorcists, malevolent entities within him viciously assault the
men. The inhabitants of Ephesus are horrified by this occurrence, which motivates
them to venerate God and eliminate all immoral objects from the village. Paul then
concludes that in order to assist other afflicted individuals, he must travel. Timothy
and Erastus are dispatched to Macedonia, and he subsequently visits Achaia and
Rome.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
God works through Paul to do miracles that drive out demonic spirits from possessed
people and heal the sick. The Jewish high priest Sceva's seven sons try to carry out an
exorcism. The guy who is possessed refuses to follow the group of men's instructions
because he does not acknowledge them as Holy Leaders, including Paul. Sceva's
seven sons are attacked by the demon that possessed him, leaving them injured and the
rest of Ephesus in a state of fear. The inhabitants of Ephesus start to revere the Lord
above all else and burn all sinful belongings. Paul determines that in order to assist
those who are under the influence of demons, he needs go to other regions, such as
Macedonia, Achaia, and Rome.
D. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation.
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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:
God
Paul
Timothy
Erastus
Sceva’s seven sons
The people of Ephesus
2. What:
Miracles are performed by God through Paul.
The seven sons of Sceva attempt to conduct an exorcism ritual in order to
expel malevolent spirits.
The man possessed by the demon counterattacks the sons in defiance of their
commands.
In response to their fear of malevolent entities, the people of Ephesus begin to
venerate only God. Ephesus has been cleansed of all demonic possessions.
Paul perseveres in his missionary endeavors, carrying out his work in the
regions of Macedonia, Achaia, and Rome.
3. Where:
Ephesus
The Asian province
4. When:
Approximately 54 AD, during Paul's third missionary journey, after the
crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.
5. Why:
What motivates the seven sons of Sceva to attempt exorcisms?
Paul is used by God to do miracles that free people from devils. The seven
sons of Sceva make the decision to become exorcists in the name of God,
saying, "I command you to come out in the name of the Jesus whom Paul
preaches" (NIV, Acts 19:13).
What makes the guy who is possessed assault Sceva's seven sons?
The guy possessed by a demon is unable to identify any of the individuals or
remember having heard of them before. The seven sons do not force the bad
spirit to leave the father.
Why do the Ephesian people burn their possessions?
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The situation of Sceva's boys after being assaulted by the demon-possessed
man has horrified the inhabitants of Ephesus. Fearing evil, the inhabitants of
Ephesus burn any magical or sorcerous items and come to believe in God.
6. How:
How does God manifest His glory?
God does several miracles via Paul. It is obvious that other men cannot
execute the wonders that God does. God performs miracles to heal and assist
people in need.
How do the citizens of Ephesus respond to Sceva's seven boys being attacked?
The citizens of Ephesus are terrified as a result of the assault. The people of
Ephesus fully embrace God as their savior and repent of their sins. Ephesians
burn all ungodly property, including magical scrolls.
References:
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Bible gateway passage:
Acts 19:11 - 22 english
standard version. Bible
Gateway. (n.d.).
https://www.biblegateway
.com/passage/?
search=acts
%2B19%3A11%2B-
%2B22&version=ESV
Bible gateway passage:
Acts 19:11 - 22 english
standard version. Bible
Gateway. (n.d.).
https://www.biblegateway
.com/passage/?
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BIBL 104
search=acts
%2B19%3A11%2B-
%2B22&version=ESV
Bible gateway passage:
Acts 19:11 - 22 english
standard version. Bible
Gateway. (n.d.).
https://www.biblegateway
.com/passage/?
search=acts
%2B19%3A11%2B-
%2B22&version=ESV
Bible gateway passage:
Acts 19:11 - 22 english
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BIBL 104
standard version. Bible
Gateway. (n.d.).
https://www.biblegateway
.com/passage/?
search=acts
%2B19%3A11%2B-
%2B22&version=ESV
Acts 19:11-22 (ESV) is a gateway passage in the Bible. (n.d.) Bible Gateway.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2B19%3A11%2B-%2B22&version=ESV
Acts 19:11-22 - new international translation of the Bible. (n.d.) Bible Gateway.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+19%3A11-22&version=NIV
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