BIBL 104
Name:
BIBLE STUDY ROJECT BSERVATION EMPLATE P : O T
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 noted the miracles God was doing through
Paul, ‘’God was doing” (ESV), “God did” extraordinary miracles, even
though different past tenses were used they were referring to the miracles.
2. Similarity – Both translations mention that everyone Paul touched was cured
and evil spirits left their body, they used the same word to refer to some of
the audience “even handkerchiefs or aprons” (ESV), “even handkerchiefs
and aprons” (NIV)
3. Difference – (NIV), "naked and bleeding" vs (ESV), "naked and wounded."
The ESV version never mentions bleeding or internal wounds.
4. Difference – when calculating the value of the books and scrolls burned,
(NIV) Refers to its value as silver (ESV) Refers to its value as Drachmas.
5. Difference - When referring to the witchcraft practices (NIV) uses the word
“Magic” and (ESV) uses the word “Sorcery.”
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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, Jewish chief priest
Demonic spirit.
Timothy and Erastus
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
Through Paul, God performs miracles, curing illnesses, diseases, and evil spirits. Some
Jews made the decision to assist Paul in what they believed to be a divine event. The
Seven Sons of Sceva were performing an exorcism. The spirits responded by saying he
was aware of the deeds of Jesus and had heard them, but he did not know who these men
were. The demonic-possessed guy jumped at them. Knowing this, the Greeks and Jews
abandoned their magic and scrolls out of dread for the Lord and God. Paul dispatched his
assistants Timothy and Erastus to travel to Jerusalem; they remained in Asia for some
time.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and
student example)
Introduction: Paul performs miracles via God, and Jewish priests conduct exorcisms.
Inciting Incident: The Seven Sons of Sceva communicate with one demon via an
unidentified person who was cursed by the wicked spirit.
Rising Action: The Jewish priests communicate with the spirit, and it responds by stating
that they do not appear acquainted and that it cannot identify Paul or Jesus.
Climax: The evil spirit in the unknown guy forces him to pounce on and overcome the
priests. They were injured when they left.
Falling action: Jews and Greeks are terrified. Many of them confess and burn their
manuscripts and magic.
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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:
oLuke, (Author of the Book of Acts)
oPaul (Healer and the primary character)
oSeven Sons of Sceva; Jewish Chief Priests, (Demons spirits-exorcist, Main
Character)
oUnnamed individual Possessed (Seven sons of Sceva was performing an
exorcism)
oTimothy and Erastus (Paul’s helper)
oResidents Jews and Greeks (not main characters)
oJesus Christ and the Almighty God, the reason Paul was performing miracles.
2. What:
Through God, Paul was doing miracles, including curing individuals possessed by
demonic spirits. Seven sons of Sceva were performing an exorcism, and the demonic
spirits recognized it was not Jesus or Paul; they attacked him.
Once residents learn that the priests have returned naked and injured from the demonic
spirits, they get fearful and decide to abandon their scrolls and witchcraft.
Paul dispatches his assistants, Timothy and Erastus while remaining in an Asian region
for some time.
3. Where:
Region of Ephesus
The story mentions Jerusalem, Achaia, and Rome
Asia where Paul spent some time.
Macedonia where Timothy and Erastus stayed.
4. When:
oDuring the years Paul spent talking about the kingdom of God and performing
miracles through Him, “This went on for two years so that all the Jews and
Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Act, 19:10)
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5. Why:
Why are people getting healed?
oBecause of the miracles, Paul is performing through God.
Why does the demonic spirit attack the Seven Sons of Sceva?
owicked spirits realized that God hadn't given them the capacity to be strong
and powerful. The spirit approaches the priests and asks where Paul and
Jesus are, then overwhelms them.
Why do the people who live in Ephesus sell their scrolls and witchcraft?
oResidents become fearful of the Power that God Gave to Paul, and after the
incident with the demonic spirit and sceva.
6. How:
How did Paul assist others?
oHe served others given that God had given him the capacity to do so. Lord
acknowledged Paul to be an ambassador and was certain that he was unlikely
to exploit his position of authority for personal gain.
How did the Greeks and Jews feel the defeat of the Seven Sons of Sceva?
oThe residents started to fear God, they witnessed the marvels that Paul had
done because of Him. They were aware of the strength of God and witnessed
the priests' effort to take advantage of it.
How did Paul and the helpers end up in Asia?
oHe continues his journey and arrives in Asia with two of God's aides after
witnessing that people have abandoned their books and scrolls and have
begun to fear him.
Bibliography
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Bible study tools, English Standard Version, ESV (2023)
Acts 19 - ESV - Bible Study Tools
Hindson, Ed and Elmer L. Towns. (2017) Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction. Nashville,
TN: B&H Academic.
Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV (2011). Published by Biblica, Inc.
Acts 19 - NIV - While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road t...
(biblestudytools.com)
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