Acts 19:15
But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The evil spirit doesn't just recognize Jesus and Paul; he knows their authority. The two different Greek words used highlight this: one signifies recognizing Jesus' divine power, while the other speaks to a familiar knowledge of Paul's delegated authority. In contrast, the question "who are you?" drips with contempt, emphasizing that these imitators lack any genuine power or connection to either Jesus or Paul.
Just before this, some Jewish exorcists, seeing Paul cast out demons in Jesus' name, tried to do the same using a formula involving "Jesus whom Paul preaches." This verse captures the demon's sharp retort to these unauthorized attempts, revealing the vast difference between genuine authority in Christ and mere imitation. The incident culminates in the demoniac violently attacking them, demonstrating the peril of meddling with spiritual power without true connection to Jesus.
It's startling to realize that even evil spirits have a profound awareness of Jesus' power. What does this tell us about His divine authority?
Jesus' Supreme Authority
The demon's immediate recognition of Jesus is crucial. It's not a question of if they know Him, but how they relate to that knowledge.
The evil spirit also recognizes Paul. What does this tell us about Paul's ministry and his connection to Jesus?
Authority Through Connection
The demon's recognition of Paul is tied directly to his relationship with Jesus. This wasn't about Paul's personal charisma, but the authority Jesus had given him.
This dramatic encounter highlights the stark contrast between true apostolic authority derived from Jesus and the false claims of those who merely mimic spiritual power, underscoring that genuine spiritual authority is recognized by spiritual beings themselves.
c. AD 48
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul establishes churches in Galatia and Phrygia, teaching about Jesus Christ and His authority over demonic forces.
c. AD 52
Paul Arrives in Ephesus
Paul begins a significant ministry in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor, laying the groundwork for a vibrant Christian community.
c. AD 53-54— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus Continues
Paul spends over two years in Ephesus, performing miraculous signs and wonders, including healing the sick and expelling demons. This establishes a strong reputation for divine power associated with him and Jesus.
c. AD 55
The Sons of Sceva Attempt Exorcism
Seven Jewish brothers, known as the sons of Sceva, attempt to cast out an evil spirit using the names of Jesus and Paul, demonstrating their lack of true authority.
This passage shows demons recognizing Jesus' authority and power, just as the demon in Acts 19 acknowledges 'Jesus I know.' It highlights that even evil spirits know and fear the divine power of Christ.
Mark 5:7Similar to Acts 19:15, the demoniac here cries out to Jesus, 'What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?' This demonstrates the immediate recognition and terror that Jesus' presence inspired in demonic forces.
1 Corinthians 1:23Paul refers to himself and others as 'preachers of Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.' This contrasts with the demon's recognition of Paul's authority in Acts 19:15, showing that while the world might see weakness, God's power is evident through His chosen messengers.
Luke 10:17The seventy-two disciples return rejoicing that 'even the demons are subject to us in your name!' This echoes the authority Jesus gave His followers and highlights the contrast seen in Acts 19:15, where the evil spirit questions the authority of those who try to use Jesus' name without true commission.
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 evil spirit doesn't just recognize Jesus and Paul; he knows their authority. The two different Greek words used highlight this: one signifies recognizing Jesus' divine power, while the other speaks to a familiar knowledge of Paul's delegated authority. In contrast, the question "who are you?" drips with contempt, emphasizing that these imitators lack any genuine power or connection to either Jesus or Paul.
Just before this, some Jewish exorcists, seeing Paul cast out demons in Jesus' name, tried to do the same using a formula involving "Jesus whom Paul preaches." This verse captures the demon's sharp retort to these unauthorized attempts, revealing the vast difference between genuine authority in Christ and mere imitation. The incident culminates in the demoniac violently attacking them, demonstrating the peril of meddling with spiritual power without true connection to Jesus.
Just before this, some Jewish exorcists, seeing Paul cast out demons in Jesus' name, tried to do the same using a formula involving "Jesus whom Paul preaches." This verse captures the demon's sharp retort to these unauthorized attempts, revealing the vast difference between genuine authority in Christ and mere imitation. The incident culminates in the demoniac violently attacking them, demonstrating the peril of meddling with spiritual power without true connection to Jesus.
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The crucial question, 'But who are you?' exposes the spiritual emptiness of the seven sons of Sceva. Why was their attempt so disastrous?
The Peril of Mimicry
The demon's dismissive question cuts to the heart of the issue: the seven men were trying to leverage spiritual power without any genuine connection to its source.
c. AD 55
Demonic Manifestation and Fear
The evil spirit violently attacks the sons of Sceva, revealing their powerlessness and causing great fear among Jews and Greeks in Ephesus.
c. AD 55
Spread of the Word and Increased Faith
The incident with the sons of Sceva leads to a widespread proclamation of the power of Jesus and results in many people in Ephesus believing and confessing their practices.
"But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”" — The evil spirit doesn't just recognize Jesus and Paul; he knows their authority. The two different Greek words used highlight this: one signifies recognizing Jesus' divine power, while the other sp…
