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Name: Breeanna Finefrock
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 – Both translations talk about how Paul created miracles with God’s
assistance.
2. Similarity – Both translations talk about their being evil spirits and that Jewish
priests oversaw preforming exorcists to get rid of the evil spirits.
3. Difference – In the NIV translation, it does not mention Paul being able to perform
exorcists while the ESV translation does.
4. Difference – In the NIV translation, the evil spirits say, “Jesus I know, and Paul I
know about, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15). While in the ESV translation, the evil
spirits say, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15).
The slight difference in the wording of how they know of Paul might give the
reader a different view.
5. Difference - In the NIV translation, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem. While in the
ESV translation, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem.
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C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying.
1. Main characters: (List them)
- Paul
- Seven Sons of Sceva
- Erastus
- Timothy
- Evil Spirit
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
The plot is mainly about the miracles Paul was able to perform with God’s
assistance, like curing illness and getting rid of evil spirits. It then goes into how
Jewish exorcists, the Seven Sons of Sceva, use the name of the Lord to perform
their exorcists, but it does not end in their favor. The evil spirit realized that they
had no true power compared to themselves, so the Jewish exorcists fled. With
that, it gave Jesus the recognition of his power. That resulted in the Greeks and
Jews becoming fearful and destroying their magic books and scrolls by burning
them. At the end, it talks about Paul and his future travel plans to Jerusalem.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
Exposition: Paul performing miracles with God’s assistance while the Seven Sons
of Sceva are trying to perform exorcists.
Rising Action: An unknown person being possessed by an evil spirit, which the
Seven Sons of Sceva communicates with.
Climax: The Seven Sons of Sceva are overpowered by the evil spirit, which leads
into Jesus gaining recognition of his power.
Falling Action: The Greeks and Jews are now fearful and destroying their magic
books and scrolls.
Resolution: Paul starts to talk about his future travel possibilities.
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.
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1. Who:
- the author, St. Luke
- Paul – main character
- Seven Sons of Sceva – main characters, Jewish priests
- Erastus – Paul’s assistant
- Timothy – Paul’s assistant
- God – gives Paul assistance with his miracles, is the reason for these
writing pieces
- Jesus – Alongside Paul, is named a cure by the evil spirits
2. What:
- Paul being capable of miracles with God’s assistance
- Seven Sons of Sceva trying to imitate Paul and his miracles, being
overpowered by an evil spirit when trying to perform an exorcism
- People heard of priests being attacked by evil spirits and returning with no
clothing and wounded, lost faith in God and were scared
- The people then burned their magic books and scrolls from fear
- Paul wants to return back to Rome but sending his assistants instead and
planning his future travels
3. Where:
- Ephesus
4. When:
- During Paul’s third missionary adventure. An exact timeframe/date is not
said.
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6. Why:
- Why did Greeks and Jews gain a fear of God? From seeing the evil spirits
powers while also seeing Paul’s power.
- Why did the Seven Sons of Sceva return naked and hurt? They were
overpowered by the evil spirit.
7. How:
- How was Paul able to perform the miracles? Paul had God’s assistance
and gave him the power to do so.
- How did the Seven Sons of Sceva return home? They returned home
naked and wounded.
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