Acts 19:15-16
But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The evil spirit's reply isn't just about power; it's about recognizing specific authority. While they knew Jesus instinctively as a supreme power, they were more "acquainted" with Paul, understanding him as a specific agent of that power. Their dismissal of the seven sons, "but who are you?", highlights that true spiritual authority comes from genuine connection to Jesus, not just reciting His name.
Just before this, a group of Jewish exorcists had tried to use the names of Jesus and Paul to cast out an evil spirit from a man, thinking they could mimic the power Paul was wielding. The demon, however, immediately recognized Jesus' supreme authority and Paul's delegated power, but when it looked at these seven imposters, it had no fear and mocked them, exposing their lack of genuine connection to God's power. This incident sets the stage for Paul to demonstrate the true nature of spiritual authority that comes directly from Christ.
Ever wonder if spiritual forces really know who's in charge? This verse gives us a chillingly clear answer. It’s not just about knowing of Jesus or Paul, but about knowing their authority.
The evil spirit's response isn't just an admission of awareness; it's a declaration of who holds ultimate power.
Jesus: The Supreme Power
Jesus is known by the spirit as the one with inherent, divine authority. This isn't a casual acquaintance; it's a recognition of the One who commands the spiritual realm. The demon knows Jesus has the power to banish it completely.
Paul: The Authorized Agent
Paul is recognized as an agent of Jesus, possessing delegated authority. The spirit knows Paul operates with Christ's power, capable of expelling demons in His name.
The Insignificant Others
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Acts 19:15-16 is available in the Sola app.
The spirit's dismissive question, 'but who are ye?' highlights the stark contrast. These individuals, attempting to wield authority they don't possess, are utterly unknown and insignificant in the spiritual hierarchy.
Using Jesus' name can sound powerful, but this story reveals a dangerous pitfall. It's not the words spoken, but the authority behind them that truly matters.
The sons of Sceva learned a hard lesson: invoking a name doesn't automatically grant power. They tried to use Jesus' name as a magic spell, thinking the label itself held power.
The Wrong Kind of 'Knowing'
The evil spirit's response ('Jesus I know, and Paul I know') implies a recognition of power and authority. The sons of Sceva, however, didn't truly 'know' Jesus in the way Paul did—as his Lord and Master, from whom he derived his authority.
The Peril of Presumption
Their attempt was based on presumption, not on a genuine relationship or God-given commission. They were essentially trying to 'borrow' authority they didn't possess, leading to a terrifying backlash. This highlights that outward religious acts or words without inner reality and divine empowerment are empty and dangerous.
Understand the original words
ponēros pneuma · Greek Noun phrase
A spiritual entity opposed to God and His purposes, often possessing or influencing individuals to cause harm, moral corruption, or resistance to the Gospel.
This incident vividly illustrates the intense spiritual conflict in Ephesus, a city steeped in paganism. The sons of Sceva attempted to wield spiritual authority without genuine connection to Jesus or Paul, revealing that true power over evil spirits comes from God, not mere imitation or a recited formula.
c. AD 48-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches and facing opposition. This journey plants the seeds for his later ministry in Ephesus.
c. AD 52-55— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends an extended period in Ephesus, a major Roman city and center of pagan worship. He teaches in the synagogue and later in a lecture hall, seeing significant success and facing growing resistance.
c. AD 55
Riot in Ephesus
Dem flexDirectionetrius the silversmith incites a riot against Paul and his companions, fearing the impact of Christianity on their trade of idols. This event highlights the intense spiritual and social conflict in the city.
c. AD 56
Paul's Letter to the Corinthians
During his time in Ephesus, Paul writes 1 Corinthians, addressing issues within the church, including divisions and the misuse of spiritual gifts. This context helps explain the emphasis on proper authority and recognition of true spiritual power.
c. AD 57
Paul Departs Ephesus
Paul leaves Ephesus, entrusting the church to other leaders. His ministry there had a profound impact, but the spiritual warfare remained intense, as evidenced by the incident with the sons of Sceva.
This passage shows a similar scenario where a demon directly recognizes Jesus' divine authority and power, echoing the demon's acknowledgment of Jesus in Acts 19:15.
Luke 4:34Here, the demon acknowledges Jesus as the 'Holy One of God,' demonstrating that evil spirits possessed a terrifying awareness of Jesus' identity and power, which is also seen in Acts 19:15.
Matthew 8:29In this account, the demons cry out to Jesus, recognizing His authority over them and fearing His judgment, similar to the demon's fearful recognition of Jesus and Paul in Acts 19:15.
1 Corinthians 1:18This verse speaks of the 'message of the cross' being 'folly to those who are perishing' but 'the power of God' to believers, highlighting the contrast between human perception and divine reality, much like the sons of Sceva's foolish attempt compared to Paul's authority.
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's reply isn't just about power; it's about recognizing specific authority. While they knew Jesus instinctively as a supreme power, they were more "acquainted" with Paul, understanding him as a specific agent of that power. Their dismissal of the seven sons, "but who are you?", highlights that true spiritual authority comes from genuine connection to Jesus, not just reciting His name.
Just before this, a group of Jewish exorcists had tried to use the names of Jesus and Paul to cast out an evil spirit from a man, thinking they could mimic the power Paul was wielding. The demon, however, immediately recognized Jesus' supreme authority and Paul's delegated power, but when it looked at these seven imposters, it had no fear and mocked them, exposing their lack of genuine connection to God's power. This incident sets the stage for Paul to demonstrate the true nature of spiritual authority that comes directly from Christ.
Just before this, a group of Jewish exorcists had tried to use the names of Jesus and Paul to cast out an evil spirit from a man, thinking they could mimic the power Paul was wielding. The demon, however, immediately recognized Jesus' supreme authority and Paul's delegated power, but when it looked at these seven imposters, it had no fear and mocked them, exposing their lack of genuine connection to God's power. This incident sets the stage for Paul to demonstrate the true nature of spiritual authority that comes directly from Christ.
"But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and woun…" — The evil spirit's reply isn't just about power; it's about recognizing specific authority. While they knew Jesus instinctively as a supreme power, they were more "acquainted" with Paul, understandi…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
