BIBL 104
Name: 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
oYes
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 verse 11, both state Paul works miracles for God, like healing people
and getting rid of devils using clothing.
2. Similarity – In both verses, the demon-possessed man defeats and humiliates the
sons of Sceva, and the incident makes Ephesus fearful and repentant.
3. Difference – The NLT uses simpler language, such as "I command you in the name
of Jesus, whom Paul preaches," but the ESV utilizes more formal language, such as
"adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims."
4. Difference - The ESV uses the term "extraordinary" to characterize Paul's miracles,
which conveys a stronger sense of their force and distinctiveness than the NLT's
"unusual," which just implies that they were exceptional or uncommon. While
both terms imply that these miracles were not ordinary, "extraordinary" underlines
their significance more explicitly.
5. Difference - The NLT describes the worth of the sorcery scrolls in verse 19 as
"several million dollars," whereas the ESV describes it as "fifty thousand pieces of
silver."
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C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying.
1. Main characters: God, Paul, demon-possessed man, Jewish exorcists, sons of
Sceva, the evil spirit, the believers in Ephesus, and Paul's companions (Timothy and
Erastus).
2. Plot: (50-100 words): God performed rare miracles through Paul in Ephesus, such
as healing the sick and casting out demons using handkerchiefs and aprons. Some
Jewish exorcists, especially the seven sons of Sceva, attempted to invoke Jesus'
name without faith. A demon confronted and assaulted them, and they fled,
injured and naked. This tragedy instilled widespread panic, prompting many people
to repent, confess their crimes, and burn pricey sorcery books. As a result, the
gospel spread rapidly. Paul then planned a trip to Jerusalem and
Rome.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words) Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see
the tutorial and student example)
The story starts with God allowing Paul to do miracles (introduction), followed by a
confrontation in which unauthorized exorcists refuse to use Jesus' name. The climax is
reached when the demon reveals their lack of authority and defeats them. The
resolution occurs when fear spreads, people repent, and the gospel expands. Finally,
the story moves on to Paul's future trip plans, demonstrating the early church's
increasing mission and ongoing activity.
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:
God, Paul, the sick and demon-possessed, Jewish exorcists, seven sons of Sceva, the evil
spirit, Ephesus believers, and Paul's companions (Timothy and Erastus).
Luke, the author of Acts, is writing to Theophilus and other Gentile readers with Greek
backgrounds.
Paul, a missionary apostle who is actively serving in Ephesus.
God is doing miracles via Paul.
Ephesian people witnessed and received miracles, exorcisms, and lessons.
BIBL 104
Jewish exorcists, particularly the seven sons of Sceva, attempt to utilize Jesus' name
without proper permission or relationship.
The evil spirit speaks throughout the exorcism effort, acknowledging Jesus and Paul but
rejecting the imposters.
Ephesians' believers respond to the incident with repentance and public confession.
Silas, Timothy, and Erastus- Paul’s companions
2. What:
God accomplishes miracles through Paul, including healing and exorcisms, even through
handkerchiefs and aprons that he touches.
Jewish exorcists, the seven sons of Sceva, attempt to cast out evil spirits by mentioning
Jesus "whom Paul proclaims,” but they do so without true faith or authority.
The demonic spirit answers by recognizing Jesus and Paul but not Sceva's boys. The
possessed man overwhelms them, and they run naked and injured.
This public failure instills terror and awe among the people of Ephesus, promoting the
name of Jesus.
Many Christians respond by confessing their sins and burning their magic scrolls,
marking a huge shift away from occult practices.
Paul decides to go through Macedonia and Achaia before continuing on to Jerusalem
and then Rome as his next missionary destination.
Paul stays a little longer in Asia (Ephesus) and sends Timothy and Erastus on their way.
2. Where:
Ephesus, an important city in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), is well-known for its
magical activities and religious diversity, particularly in relation to the temple of Artemis.
Asia: Paul spends some time around the larger continent of Asia.
Paul's intended missionary destinations were Jerusalem, Rome, Macedonia, and Achaia.
3. When:
Around AD 53–57, Paul went on his third missionary tour.
This incident takes place following Paul's previous work in Corinth, but before his trip to
Jerusalem and subsequent incarceration.
Most likely during the two to three years that Paul spent in Ephesus.
A significant spiritual turning point in the Ephesian ministry is marked by the miracles,
public repentance, and gospel dissemination.
BIBL 104
4. Why:
Why did Paul accomplish miracles?
To prove God's power and validate the gospel, particularly in an area where false religion
and sorcery are prevalent.
Why did Sceva's sons fail?
Instead of calling it forth by a relationship with Christ, they misapplied the name of
Jesus, treating it like a magic formula. They were exposed because they lacked authority and
true religion.
Why did people become afraid?
It was evident how powerful Jesus' name was, both in terms of its influence and the
potential for abuse. As a result, Jesus gained widespread awe and respect.
Why were the scrolls burned by believers?
They demonstrated genuine conversion and dedication to Christ by publicly renouncing
their previous engagement with magic and occultism.
Why did Paul intend to visit Rome and Jerusalem?
Paul felt that he had a calling and a mission: to build up churches, bring the money to
the impoverished in Jerusalem, and then preach the gospel in the center of the empire, Rome.
5. How:
How was Paul used by God?
Through extraordinary miracles, such as healing through Paul's touch, it was
demonstrated that God, not Paul, was the source of the power.
How did Sceva's sons try exorcism?
By uttering the formulaic and unapproved invocation, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom
Paul proclaims," they utilized Jesus' name in a magical, second-hand manner.
How did the evil spirit react?
With acknowledgment and denial: "I know Jesus and Paul, but who are you?" They are
brutally attacked and subdued by the demon-possessed man.
How did people react?
Fear, open confession, and repentance, including the enormous financial and spiritual
sacrifice of burning priceless occult scrolls valued at 50,000 drachmas.
How did the gospel get out?
These occurrences led to the Lord's word growing and triumphing powerfully, a sign of
spiritual awakening and the growth of the kingdom.
How did Paul plan his future ministry?
He dispatched Timothy and Erastus ahead to clear the path as part of his well-thought-
out trip preparations, staying longer to support the ministry in Asia.
BIBL 104
Bibliography
English Standard Version. (n.d.). Acts 19:11–22. Bible Gateway. Retrieved July 7, 2025,
from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2019&version=ESV
Hindson, Ed and Elmer L. Towns. Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction. Nashville, TN:
B&H Academic, 2017.
New Living Translation. (n.d.). Acts 19:11–22. Bible Gateway. Retrieved July 7, 2025, from
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2019&version=NLT
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