Jessica Amaker BIBL 104
Name: Jessica Amaker
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 as possible and differences that you find providing that you meet the minimum
amount for each one.
1. Similarity – Both translations note that handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his
skin (Paul’s) were used to heal sick people.
2. Similarity – In both translations the evil spirit replies to the seven sons I know
Jesus and I know Paul but who are you? And then the man with the evil spirit
overpowers them.
3. Difference – In the ESV translation Paul’s miracles are described as extraordinary,
whereas the NLT version terms them as unusual.
4. Difference – The NLT translation describes the practice of sorcery of which the
new believers confessed the sinful practice of. In the ESV translation it is described
as magic arts.
5. Difference - The value of the burned books in the ESV translation was fifty
thousand pieces of silver, however; in the NLT version the value is stated as several
million dollars.
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Jessica Amaker BIBL 104
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying.
1. Main characters: (List them)
Paul, Seven sons of Sceva, Timothy and Erastus
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
God was using Paul to perform miracles of healing in Ephesus, the seven sons of Sceva
thought they could cast out evil spirits by reciting the name of the Lord and Paul,
however; the evil spirit overcame them and caused them to flee. When the people of
Ephesus heard this, they became afraid and believed in the Lord. They repented their sins
of practicing magic and sorcery and burned their books in public.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
Introduction: God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul.
Rising Action: The seven sons of Sceva try to exorcise an evil spirit from a man
Climax: The evil spirit overcame them and caused them to flee naked and wounded
Falling Action: The people of Ephesus heard of the encounter and were afraid
Resolution: The people of Ephesus repented of their sinful way and believed
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
Luke (author)
Paul- a servant of the Lord
Seven sons of Sceva (a Jewish high priest) terming themselves as exorcists
Evil Spirit-possessing the man in Epesus
People of Epheus who believe and confessed sins
Timothy and Erastus-two of Paul’s helpers
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Jessica Amaker BIBL 104
2. What:
God was using Paul to perform many extraordinary miracles.
People were being healed from the mere touch of a handkerchief or apron that had
touched Paul’s skin. The healings included healing from sickness and healing of evil
spirits.
The seven sons of Sceva attempted to perform exorcism in “the name of Jeus whom Paul
proclaims”.
The evil spirit acknowledges knowing Jesus and Paul and turns back to the seven sons
saying who are you? The evil spirit in the man overtakes the seven sons causing them to
flee naked and wounded.
When the people of Ephesus hear of how the evil spirit overtook the seven sons, they
become afraid. Because of their fear the name of the Lord was honored. This caused a
mass of conversion of the people who had practiced magic and sorcery to believe.
After the new believers confessed and repented of their practices, they gathered all of
their books and burned them in a public place. When they counted the value, it was equal
to several million dollars.
After all these things happened the word of the Lord increased and spread, Paul felt led
by the Spirit to go to Macedonia and Achaia. Paul says afterwards he must go to Rome.
Paul sent his two helpers Timothy and Erastus ahead to Macedonia while he stayed in the
Province of Asia.
3. Where:
Ephesus
The home of the man possessed by the evil spirit
The public area of the burning of the books
4. When:
The story takes place during Paul’s third missionary journey AD 53-55.
5. Why:
Why did God work extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul?
God was using Paul to equip Christians to do the work of the ministry, and
using Paul to perform miracles shows the work of the Holy Spirit given to
Paul by God.
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Jessica Amaker BIBL 104
Why were the seven sons of Sceva not successful when trying to perform
the exorcism on the man possessed by an evil spirit?
The seven sons were unsuccessful because they were merely imitating
what they thought Paul had done. Their efforts were not pure as they had
no relationship with Jesus Christ therefore their actions were based in
Pride that they could accomplish the task not in the authoritative power of
Christ over the demons.
Why did the people of Ephesus turn from their sinful practices?
After knowledge of the evil spirit casting out the seven men naked and
wounded the people became afraid not only of the evil spirits but also in
the authoritative power of God. If even the evil spirits obey his command
and acknowledge his authority, then God should be revered. This caused
the people to turn from their sinful practices and repent.
6. How:
How did God perform extraordinary miracles through Paul?
God used handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul’s skin to heal
people from afflictions even without Paul being present.
How did God use the unsuccessful exorcism?
God used the unsuccessful exorcism to bring light to the reality of demon
possession which caused fear among the people, the authoritative
reference of the demon acknowledging God also caused the people to fear
God and uphold his name.
How did the converted people of Ephesus show repentance for their sinful
practices?
The people who confessed their sinful was and became believers publicly
burned their books which cost collectively several million dollars as an act
of repentance.
Bibliography:
Bible gateway passage: Acts 19 - english standard version. Bible Gateway. (n.d.).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+19&version=ESV
Bible gateway passage: Acts 19 - english standard version. Bible Gateway. (n.d.).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+19&version=NLT
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