Only God's Power and Only God’s Servants
Acts 19:11–14 (NASB95)
11God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. 13But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
We see a striking contrast between the true power of God displayed through Paul’s ministry and the futile attempts of others to exploit that power. God works extraordinary miracles through Paul, including healings and exorcisms, even through indirect means such as cloths or aprons that had touched him. These miracles meet the physical and spiritual needs of a city steeped in idolatry and magical practices, demonstrating the superiority of God’s power over human superstition. However, when the sons of Sceva, itinerant Jewish exorcists, attempt to invoke the name of Jesus without faith or authority, they are overpowered by the very evil they sought to control. This dramatic event underscores the unique authority of Jesus’ name and the necessity of true faith and alignment with God’s will when engaging in spiritual matters. It also serves as a warning against treating God’s power as a tool for personal gain or manipulation.
This passage challenges the modern church to recognize the unmatched power of God and the importance of relying on His authority rather than human strength or superstition. In a world where spiritual confusion and counterfeit practices persist, we are called to demonstrate the truth and power of the Gospel through genuine faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Like Paul, we must serve as faithful ambassadors of Jesus, pointing others to His power, not our own. Additionally, the story of the sons of Sceva reminds us to treat the name of Jesus with reverence and humility, ensuring that our ministry is grounded in a sincere relationship with Him. Let us commit to living lives that reflect God’s transforming power, bringing light to a world in need of His truth.