Bible 104
Name: Keisha Washington
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
●Yes
A. 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 convey the sequence of events in the story, starting
with the miraculous healings through Paul and leading to the encounter with the
sons of Sceva, followed by the response of the people in Ephesus.
1. Similarity –Both translations maintain the overall message of the passage,
highlighting the power of Jesus' name and the consequences of invoking it
without true faith or authority.
1. Difference –One major difference is the vocabulary that is used. Vocabulary can
be interpreted differently.
i. For example: ESV: "came to Jerusalem” Vs. NLT Went to Jerusalem
ii. ESV “Decided” VS. NLT “Resolved”
iii. ESV “Fear”VS. NLT “awe”
iv. ESV “Extraordinary miracles” VS. NLT “Powerful Miracles”
1. Difference -Interpretation of Miracles: The ESV describes the miracles as
"extraordinary," while the NLT describes them as "unusual." This choice of words
might imply a slightly different understanding of the nature and significance of
the miracles performed by Paul.
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1. Difference -Understanding of Paul's Decision: The ESV states that Paul
"decided" to go to Jerusalem, while the NLT says he "finally" decided. The
addition of "finally" in the NLT suggests a potential nuance of hesitation or
deliberation in Paul's decision that may not be as evident in the ESV.
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying.
1. Main characters: The main characters are: Paul, Sons of Sceva, Timothy and Erastus
(technically the spirit as well).
2. Plot: (50-100 words): In the passage from Acts, Paul performs extraordinary miracles,
with even handkerchiefs and aprons touched by him healing the sick and expelling evil spirits.
When some try to imitate Paul's authority, they fail miserably, leading to fear and reverence for
Jesus' name. Many believe, confessing their wrongs and renouncing sorcery. Paul decides to
journey to Jerusalem, sending Timothy and Erastus ahead. The word of the Lord spreads, and
Paul's ministry continues to grow in power.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
The story structure of Acts 19:11-22 follows a narrative arc typical of biblical passages,
consisting of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. In the exposition,
Paul performs miraculous healings and exorcisms, establishing his authority. The rising action
occurs as others attempt to imitate Paul's power and fail. The climax is reached when the failure
of these imitators leads to fear and reverence for Jesus' name. The falling action involves many
repenting and confessing their sins. Finally, the resolution sees Paul deciding to journey to
Jerusalem, while the word of the Lord spreads and his ministry grows.
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. WhoPaul:
●Performs extraordinary miracles and makes decisions about his future travels.
●Sons of Sceva: Attempt to drive out evil spirits but are overpowered by the
possessed man
●Timothy and Erastus: Paul's assistants/helpers mentioned in his plans for travel.
2. What:
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●Paul performs extraordinary miracles, including healing the sick and expelling
evil spirits.
●Some individuals attempt to imitate Paul's authority but fail.
●Many people believe, confess their wrongs, and renounce sorcery.
●Paul decides to journey to Jerusalem, sending Timothy and Erastus ahead.
3. Where:
●The events primarily take place in Ephesus, a city in the Roman Province of Aisa
4. When:
●The passage occurs during Paul’s missionary journey, likely early mid-first
century after Christs death
5. Why:
●Why did Paul perform miracles? Paul performed miracles to showcase the
supremacy of Jesus' power and to validate his ministry to others.
●Why did the failure of the Sons of Sceva occur? The failure of the Sons of Sceva
underscored the necessity of genuine faith and divine authority when invoking the
name of Jesus.
●Why did many people believe and repent? Many people believed and repented as
a result of witnessing the power of God at work through Paul's ministry, leading
to the expansion of the gospel and the advancement of Paul's mission.
6. How:
●How did Paul perform miracles? Paul performed miracles through the divine
empowerment of God, showcasing the unparalleled authority and power of Jesus.
●How did the failure of the Sons of Sceva occur? The failure of the Sons of Sceva
transpired because they attempted to invoke Jesus' name without genuine faith or
divine authority, demonstrating the limitations of human imitation.
●How did many people believe and repent? Many people believed and repented in
response to witnessing the miraculous works of God through Paul's ministry,
prompting a transformation of heart and leading to the spread of the gospel.
Bibliography
John Cartwright and Chris Hulshof, Everyday Bible Study: Growing in the Christian Faith, ed.
Gabriel Etzel and Ben Gutierrez, 2nd edition., Everyday Bible Series (Nashville, TN: B&H
Academic, 2019).
