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
o Yes
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: The seven exorcists appear to be the sons of Sceva, the Jewish High Priest, in
both translations of the passage.
2. Similarity: In both renditions of the text, it is explicitly mentioned that the combined
value of the surrendered possessions, which are characterized as ungodly, was equivalent
to fifty thousand pieces of silver. As well Both translations detail identical instances of the
miracles performed by God through Paul.
3. Difference: In the NIV translation, it’s said that the exorcists “command” evil spirits out of
the possessed, while the ESV quotes, “I adjure you by the name of Jesus whom Paul
proclaims,” indicating that it was more of a request in Jesus’ namethan it was a command
4. Difference: The ESV translation indicates that before sending Timothy and Erastus to
Macedonia, Paul resolved in the spirit," which is important because it shows his
commitment to God as he suffered. The NIV translation does not provide such details.
5. Difference: Paul stayed in the region of Asia, although the NIV translation says he
dispatched Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia. The ESV version just suggests that Paul sent
two of his assistants to Macedonia; it does not say who Paul sent there specifically.
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
Paul, Timothy, Erastus, Sceva’s seven sons.
