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of “Jesus” over each person. They decided to add the name of Jesus to their formula in an
attempt to get their business back. In the past, when these men cast out devils, the results
were never permanent. These men knows Paul has the greater power and are trying to
duplicate or increase it.

Act 19:14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.

Sceva is one of the twenty-four ruling priests in the Sanhedrin of Jerusalem. This passage refers
to his seven sons who are using their family name and religious affiliation to bring in money.
Luke has seen and met Sceva and remembers the address Jesus had given him (Luke 11:14-20).
This verse reveals the demonic control that can be attached to religion. Even those practicing
the Jewish religion and quoting Old Testament Scriptures, including the chief priests, do not
believe in Jesus Christ and open themselves up to demonic activity.

Act 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are
you?"

The seven sons do not expect this response. They have never experienced a demon speaking to
them, especially in an insulting way. The demon knew Jesus and Paul because both were new
creations. When Paul was born again, he instantly became a citizen of God’s kingdom and was
no longer part of Satan’s kingdom. Every demon knew it.

What is most amazing about this verse is the demon did not know or recognize the seven sons
of Sceva, and they worked for the demon! Satan does not know his own, but he does know
God’s. The only way to be known in the kingdom of Satan is to become born again. You are
then on Satan’s hate-list and God’s love-list (the Book of Life). God knows His own but does not
know Satan’s. One day, the seven sons of Sceva will stand before the Lord in judgment and ask
“Didn’t we cast out devils in your name?” Jesus will answer them “Depart ye workers of
iniquity, I never knew you” (Matthew 7:22).

Act 19:16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and
prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed
(ischuo: be of strength) against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

This is the supernatural power of one demon. One man leaped on seven. One man overcame
the strength of seven. One man prevailed against seven and tore their clothes off before they
could reach the front door of the house.

REVERENCE FOR THE LORD JESUS INCREASES

Act 19:17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on
them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.