Bible Study Application Assignment
Emma Grace Hyche
BIBL 104
August 15, 2025
Name: Emma Grace Hyche
Passage: Acts 19:11–22
Assignment: Bible Study Project – Application Assignment
1. The Question of Duty
What do I need to do in response to this passage?
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Through observation, we recognize that God worked “extraordinary miracles by the hands of
Paul” (Acts 19:11, ESV), not for the glory and recognition of Paul but for the advancement of the
gospel. Interpretation suggests that the miracles direct us to God's power being reflected
through Paul for His purposes. God uses Paul as a tool of His pleasure for the advancement of
His will. God works with His chosen servants, not anyone seeking to be a religious performer for
personal gain. In contrast to all of this, the sons of Sceva tried to take the name of Jesus and
apply it without any faith in Jesus themselves and used it to overpower evil spirits.(Acts 19:15–
16). According to Towns and Gutierrez (2016), the application of scripture must come from a
changed and transformed life. Correlation with James 1:22 (“But be doers of the word, and not
hearers only”) drives home this truth. Application: Our responsibility is therefore to serve God
and Him alone. It is critical that we live yielded and permit God to use us for His purpose by the
power of the Holy Spirit. The passage closes with, “the word of the Lord continued to increase
and prevail mightily” (Acts 19:20, ESV). This is a visual of a ministry that is driven by a desire to
glorify Christ, and He is powerfully using His servant. As Christians, we must apply this passage
by obedience to scripture and seeking to make God’s glory and not our purposes evident to all
to witness to the advancement of the gospel.
2. The Question of Character
What does this passage teach me about who I should be?
This passage highlights the requirement for humility and to be genuine in our faith. The
differences between Paul and the sons highlight a lesson about the character of a Christian that
we should be or should become. Paul had a genuine and humble calling, and he fulfilled it to
the very end. God used Paul for His glory. As Christians, we should be so surrendered to Christ
that we desire His glory and not our own. In verse 11, God performs miracles “by the hands of
Paul,” clearly demonstrating that Paul was a tool of God, and so should we. The sons of Sceva,
tried to have authority without a relationship with Jesus: “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul
proclaims” (v. 13). They did not have a character of relationship with Jesus; therefore, their lives
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ended in defeat. As Christians, we must seek to be genuine, faithful followers of Jesus Christ.
True character is not pretending to be something that you are not in life. Real Christian
character is knowing Christ and living for him in a genuine way for His glory.
3. The Question of Goals
What does this passage teach me about what I should value or prioritize?
In observation, Paul’s powerful ministry creates revival. Large numbers to Christ and confess
sins and turn from evil (Acts 19:18–19), and as a result, the Gospel experiences powerful
growth. (v. 20). Interpretation reveals that Paul was humble and did not do anything to advance
his own interests but only the gospel. In contrast, the sons of Sceva were motivated by personal
pleasure and attention. Towns and Gutierrez (2016) note that effective application requires that
we align our goals with God's purposes revealed in scripture. Correlation with Philippians 3:8
reminds us that Paul counted everything as a loss “because of the surpassing worth of knowing
Christ” which should be the heart of every Christian. The application is apparent: we must
consider if our desires are in step with God’s plans. In other words, whose plans are we
advancing? The life of Paul teaches us to focus on the advancement of the gospel, outreach, and
evangelism. Verse 20 gives us the ultimate result of God’s work and Paul’s effort: “the word of
the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily” (Acts 19:20, ESV). This should be the prayer
for all Christians.
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4. The Question of Discernment
What truths must I believe or what errors must I avoid in light of this passage?
Observation: The passage reflects a dangerous error: Any person trying to use the name of
Jesus without faith in Him is in danger from God’s wrath. The sons of Sceva were utterly put to
shame (Acts 19:15–16). Interpretation reveals that Jesus will not be manipulated for someone's
personal pleasure. Towns and Gutierrez (2016) strongly suggest that biblical discernment
requires that we identify eternal truth and shine the light on false beliefs. Correlation with
Matthew 7:21-23 strengthens this argument when it says about many “Lord, Lord,” yet He will
say, “I never knew you.” The application is to show forth spiritual understanding that can
discern false religion from true faith in Jesus Christ. We must know that pretentious faith is no
substitute for a genuine relationship with Jesus. Real, genuine transformation is what is
important. Verse 17 demonstrates the correct reality of spiritual discernment: “fear fell upon
them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled” (ESV). Righteous exaltation and wisdom
provide for correct worship and personal transformation. The Christian must walk in step with
the Holy Spirit so that we can discern error from truth.
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References:
•The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway.
•Towns, E. L., & Gutierrez, B. (2016). Everyday Bible Study: Growing in the Word. B&H
Academic.
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Bibliography
