Paul In Ephesus; Acts 19:1 – 22 Part 10

Church History: Date: A.D. 53–57

A particular account of some at Ephesus that led this course of life and came here in their travels were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests. The profaneness they were guilty of: They took it upon themselves to call out evil spirits in the name of the Lord Jesus. They didn’t do it as one who had a respect for Christ and a confidence in his name. We read of some who cast out devils in Christ's name and yet did not follow with his disciples (Luke 9:49), whom Christ would not have to be discouraged. These were people who were willing to try all methods to carry on their wicked trade. If the evil spirits should yield to an adjuration in the name of Jesus by those that did not believe in him, it would not be a confirmation of his doctrine to those that did. It would be all the same whether they believed it or not. If they should not yield to it, they would say the name of Christ was not so powerful as the other names they used, to which the devils had often by collusion yielded to. They said, We command you by Jesus whom Paul preaches; not, "whom we believe in, or depend upon, or have any authority from," but whom Paul preaches; as if they had said, "We will try and see what that name will do." The exorcists in the Romish church, who pretend to cast the devil out of melancholy people by spells and charms which they do not understand, and which, not having any divine warrant, cannot be used in faith, are the followers of these vagabond Jews.

There was great confusion put into in their impious operations. Let them not be deceived, God is not mocked, nor shall the glorious name of Jesus be prostituted to such a vile purpose as this; what communion hath Christ with Belial? The evil spirit gave them a sharp reply: "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? I know that Jesus has conquered principalities and powers, and that Paul has authority in his name to cast out devils; but what power have you to command us in his name, or who gave you any such power? What have you to do to declare the power of Jesus or to take his covenant and commands into your mouths, seeing you hate his instructions?" (Psalms 50:16-17). This was extorted out of the mouth of the evil spirit by the power of God, to gain honor to the gospel, and to put those to shame that made a bad use of Christ's name. Antichristian powers and factions pretend to have a mighty zeal for Jesus and Paul, and to have authority from them; but, when the matter is looked into, it is a mere worldly secular interest that is to be supported. It is an enmity to true religion: Jesus we know, and Paul we know; but who are you? The man in whom the evil spirit was gave them a warm reception, fell foul upon them, leaped upon them in the height of his frenzy and rage, overcame them and all their enchantments, prevailed against them, and was every way too hard for them; so that they fled out of the house, not only naked, but wounded; their clothes pulled off their backs, and their heads broken. This is written for a warning to all those who name the name of Christ, but do not depart from iniquity. The same enemy that overcomes them with his temptations will overcome them with his terrors; and their appealing to him in Christ's name to let them alone will be no security for them. If we resist the devil by a true and lively faith in Christ, he will flee from us; but if we think to resist him by the bare using of Christ's name, or any part of his word, as a spell or charm, he will prevail against us.