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1
Not a Magic Spell
Commentators stress that this event is a stark warning against treating the name of Jesus as a magical formula. The sons of Sceva tried to use the name for their own gain without genuine faith. As one scholar puts it, the name 'exploded in their hands.' This demonstrates that true spiritual authority comes from a relationship with Christ, not from the superstitious use of His name.
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Acts
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Acts 19:16
18th Century
Theologian
Leaped on them. Several such instances are recorded of the extraordinary power and rage of those who were possessed with evil spirits.[Ref…
AT Robertson
On Acts 19:16
Leaped on them (εφαλομενος επ' αυτους). Second aorist (ingressive) middle participle of εφαλλομα, old verb to spring upon like a p…
Charles Ellicott
On Acts 19:16
19th Century
Bishop
And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them.—The demoniacal possession brought with it, as in the case of the Gadarene, the pre…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 19:16
The use of magical names in incantations to exorcise evil spirits was common in the ancient world, and it seems to have been especially prominent a…
John Calvin
On Acts 19:16
16th Century
Theologian
The man running upon them. What the devil did through him is attributed to the man. For he would not have been able to do such an act by h…
John Gill
On Acts 19:16
17th Century
Pastor
And the man in whom the evil spirit was
Being agitated by him:
leapt upon them ;
Matthew Henry
On Acts 19:13–20
17th Century
Minister
It was common, especially among the Jews, for persons to profess or to try to cast out evil spirits. If we resist the devil by faith in Christ, he …