Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to skim over the "confessing and divulging their practices" part, but it highlights that true belief wasn't just intellectual assent; it demanded a radical, public renunciation of their past sorcery. This wasn't a private shame session, but an active declaration to dismantle the old life and fully embrace the new one in Christ.
Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the dramatic failure of the sons of Sceva to use Jesus' name in exorcism, many people who had recently believed in Christ were moved to act. This led to a powerful moment where new believers, compelled by conviction, openly confessed their past involvement in magic and revealed the specific practices they were abandoning. The text then describes their dramatic public destruction of magical books, showcasing a tangible turning away from their former lives.
What does it really mean to 'believe' in Jesus? This verse highlights a faith that doesn't just assent to facts, but compels action.
When Luke says 'many of those who had believed,' he's not just talking about people who intellectually agreed with Jesus. The original Greek hints at a deeper process, one that includes baptism and a commitment to following Him. This wasn't just a casual 'joining a club'; it was a profound encounter that stirred their consciences. Their faith, still new and perhaps imperfect, was powerful enough to bring their hidden lives into the open. It shows that true belief isn't passive; it actively seeks to align our lives with Christ.
Why would someone voluntarily reveal their past secrets and harmful practices? This verse reveals a beautiful truth about the burden of sin and the relief of confession.
The people in Ephesus were deeply involved in magic and sorcery, practices tied to hidden knowledge and deceptive powers. When they 'came, confessing and divulging their practices,' they weren't just admitting to mistakes; they were actively renouncing the very core of their former lives. This confession was difficult—it meant exposing the 'deeds' that were likely shameful and destructive. But it was also liberating. By bringing these hidden things into the light of Christ and the community, they were demonstrating that they were no longer bound by those practices. It was a powerful declaration that the power of God's Word had truly set them free.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
pisteuō · Greek Noun
One who has placed saving faith in Jesus Christ; a person who has turned from sin to trust in the Gospel.
exomologeō · Greek Verb
To acknowledge or declare openly, often involving the admission of past sins or hidden activities; it is a vital part of repentance and reconciliation with God.
The converts' voluntary confession and exposure of their magical practices highlight the deep-rooted influence of sorcery in Ephesus, a city renowned for its occult arts. This act signifies a radical break from their past and a powerful testimony to the transformative might of the gospel over the deceptive powers of darkness.
c. 538 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
Many Judeans, including Daniel and his friends, were taken captive to Babylon. This event profoundly shaped Jewish identity and practices, fostering a sense of distinctiveness and a deep engagement with their scriptures.
c. 440 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Under Nehemiah's leadership, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, symbolizing a restoration of the community and its religious life after the exile. This period saw a renewed emphasis on covenant faithfulness and adherence to the Law.
c. 200 BC
Rise of Jewish Magic and Mysticism
The Hellenistic period saw increased interaction between Jewish and pagan cultures, influencing the development of magical practices and esoteric traditions within some Jewish communities, including the use of amulets and incantations.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 30
Ministry of John the Baptist
John the Baptist called people to repentance, baptizing them in the Jordan River. His ministry included a public confession of sins as a prerequisite for baptism, a practice that resonated with the events in Ephesus.
c. AD 40-45
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches and spreading the gospel. His ministry lays the groundwork for the significant work he would later do in Ephesus.
c. AD 52-55— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends over two years in Ephesus, a major center of trade and pagan worship, particularly the cult of Artemis. His powerful preaching and miracles lead many to faith, but also stir opposition. This is the context for Acts 19.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
During his imprisonment, Paul writes letters to churches he had established, including Ephesians. These letters reflect on the spiritual growth and challenges faced by these communities.
This passage describes John the Baptist's ministry where people confessed their sins, mirroring the Ephesians' confession after encountering the power of God. It highlights the consistent pattern of acknowledging wrongdoing as a step toward repentance and God's cleansing.
Luke 8:39After Jesus healed the Gerasene demoniac, he told him to 'declare all that God has done for you.' This echoes the Ephesians' act of 'showing their deeds,' emphasizing that genuine encounters with God's power lead to public testimony and a clear break from past influences.
Romans 10:10The verse states, 'For with the heart one believes and with the mouth one confesses.' This directly connects the internal belief and the outward confession seen in Acts 19, showing confession as a vital, public affirmation of one's new faith.
Joshua 7:19When Achan confessed his sin after Israel's defeat, he said, 'My son, give glory to the Lord God of Israel and give thanks to him.' This shows that confession, especially of hidden sins, is an act of giving glory to God and acknowledging His sovereignty, just as the Ephesians did with their forbidden practices.
1 John 1:9This verse promises that 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' It underscores the ongoing need for confession and cleansing, which the Ephesian believers were actively pursuing as they turned from their former lives.
ellicottActs 19:18: "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds."
(18) And many that believed. —More accurately, many of those that had believed. The word is probably used, as in Acts 19:2 , for the whole process of conversion, including baptism, confession in this instance following on that rite, instead of preceding it. The words do not definitely state whether the confession was made privately to St. Paul and the other teachers, or publicly in the presence of the congregation…
pulpitActs 19:18: "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds."
Verse 18. - Many also of them that had believed for and many that believed, A.V.; confessing and declaring for and confessed and showed, A.V. Many also of them that had believed. This and the following verse speak of that class of converts who had previously been addicted to magic arts. It gives us a curious view of the extent to which magic prevailed among the Jews at this time. Nor was it less prevalent in heath…
It's easy to skim over the "confessing and divulging their practices" part, but it highlights that true belief wasn't just intellectual assent; it demanded a radical, public renunciation of their past sorcery. This wasn't a private shame session, but an active declaration to dismantle the old life and fully embrace the new one in Christ.
Following the dramatic failure of the sons of Sceva to use Jesus' name in exorcism, many people who had recently believed in Christ were moved to act. This led to a powerful moment where new believers, compelled by conviction, openly confessed their past involvement in magic and revealed the specific practices they were abandoning. The text then describes their dramatic public destruction of magical books, showcasing a tangible turning away from their former lives.
Following the dramatic failure of the sons of Sceva to use Jesus' name in exorcism, many people who had recently believed in Christ were moved to act. This led to a powerful moment where new believers, compelled by conviction, openly confessed their past involvement in magic and revealed the specific practices they were abandoning. The text then describes their dramatic public destruction of magical books, showcasing a tangible turning away from their former lives.
"Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices." — It's easy to skim over the "confessing and divulging their practices" part, but it highlights that true belief wasn't just intellectual assent; it demanded a radical, public renunciation of their pas…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026