But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The demon clearly distinguishes between knowing Jesus and knowing Paul; it recognizes Jesus' supreme authority while having a more familiar "acquaintance" with Paul as God's authorized messenger. The demon's pointed question, "but who are you?" highlights that genuine spiritual authority comes directly from Christ and is delegated through His chosen servants, not self-proclaimed. This reveals that simply invoking names doesn't grant power; true spiritual authority is recognized and respected by even the demonic realm.
But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Seven Jewish exorcists, witnessing Paul cast out demons by invoking Jesus' name, attempt to do the same with their own incantation. However, the demon within the possessed man recognizes Jesus and Paul's authority, but mocks the exorcists for their lack of genuine connection to either, utterly overpowering them.
Ever wonder what the spiritual realm really thinks of us? This verse gives us a jaw-dropping glimpse.
The demons in this story weren't just scared; they recognized authority. Notice how the evil spirit doesn't deny Jesus' power, or even Paul's delegated authority. It's a chilling acknowledgment that spiritual forces understand true power, even if the humans attempting to wield it don't.
A Hierarchy of Power
This isn't about reciting a magic phrase. It's about standing in the authority given by Jesus. The demons knew Jesus and Paul because they had encountered and submitted to their God-given power. These other guys? They were imposters, and the spirits knew it instantly.
Not everyone who claims spiritual power actually has it. This story is a stark warning.
The sons of Sceva thought they could just jump on Paul's coattails, using Jesus' name like a magic spell. But genuine spiritual authority isn't about imitation; it's about a real connection with the source of that power—Jesus.
The Danger of Empty Names
They tried to invoke Jesus and Paul, but they had no relationship with either. The evil spirit’s response, 'but who are you?', cuts right to the heart of their deception. It highlights that using sacred names without true faith and authorization is not only ineffective but dangerous.
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This event highlights the stark contrast between genuine spiritual authority derived from Christ and the superficial, powerless imitation attempted by those who don't truly know Jesus or His appointed apostles.
c. AD 47-49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor, including cities in the region of Galatia and Ephesus, establishing churches and teaching.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul visits Ephesus again and stays for an extended period, teaching in the synagogue and the hall of Tyrannus, powerfully impacting the city with the Gospel.
c. AD 52-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends over two years in Ephesus, facing significant opposition but also seeing many people believe and engage in practices of repentance, including burning magical scrolls.
c. AD 55— this verse
The Incident with the Seven Sons of Sceva
Seven Jewish exorcists, attempting to cast out an evil spirit using the names of Jesus and Paul, are violently overpowered by the demon, leading to widespread fear and the exaltation of Jesus' name.
c. AD 55-57
Continued Ministry in Ephesus
Following the incident, the power of Jesus and the authority of His apostles are widely recognized and feared, leading to further conversions and growth of the church.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Though imprisoned, Paul continues to preach and teach, writing letters to various churches, including Ephesians, which he likely penned during this period.
This passage shows demons recognizing Jesus' authority and power even before this event in Acts, highlighting the demon's accurate assessment of Jesus' divine status.
Mark 5:7Similar to the Gadarene demoniac's plea, this shows demonic spirits acknowledging Jesus' supreme authority and fearing His command.
1 John 4:4This verse explains why the evil spirit recognizes Jesus and Paul: 'You are from God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.' It clarifies the source of true spiritual authority.
2 Timothy 3:8This passage speaks of men like Jannes and Jambres resisting Moses, drawing a parallel to the sons of Sceva who tried to wield spiritual power without true divine authority, just as the evil spirit exposes in Acts 19.
pooleActs 19:15: "And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?"
I acknowledge that Jesus hath power to command me to go hence; and I know that Paul, as his minister, hath authority over me; but what pretensions have ye to command me now? Though the devil is a liar, and the father of lies, yet none lie to their own disadvantage, but rather to their advantage, as they take it; and Satan may therefore be believed in what he here says, because it is to his disgra…
barnesActs 19:15: "And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?"
Jesus I know - His power to cast out devils I know. Compare Matthew 8:29 . Paul I know - Paul's power to cast out devils, Acts . Acts 19:12. But who are ye? - What power have you over evil spirits? By what right do you attempt to expel them? The meaning is, "You belong neither to Jesus nor Paul, and you have no right or authority to at tempt to work miracles in the name of either."
The demon clearly distinguishes between knowing Jesus and knowing Paul; it recognizes Jesus' supreme authority while having a more familiar "acquaintance" with Paul as God's authorized messenger. The demon's pointed question, "but who are you?" highlights that genuine spiritual authority comes directly from Christ and is delegated through His chosen servants, not self-proclaimed. This reveals that simply invoking names doesn't grant power; true spiritual authority is recognized and respected by even the demonic realm.
Seven Jewish exorcists, witnessing Paul cast out demons by invoking Jesus' name, attempt to do the same with their own incantation. However, the demon within the possessed man recognizes Jesus and Paul's authority, but mocks the exorcists for their lack of genuine connection to either, utterly overpowering them.
Seven Jewish exorcists, witnessing Paul cast out demons by invoking Jesus' name, attempt to do the same with their own incantation. However, the demon within the possessed man recognizes Jesus and Paul's authority, but mocks the exorcists for their lack of genuine connection to either, utterly overpowering them.
"But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”" — The demon clearly distinguishes between knowing Jesus and knowing Paul; it recognizes Jesus' supreme authority while having a more familiar "acquaintance" with Paul as God's authorized messenger. The…
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Last reviewed October 2026