The text highlights that these new believers didn't just believe; they came and confessed, actively revealing their past practices. This voluntary, open declaration of their former deeds shows a profound internal shift, demonstrating that true faith isn't passive but results in a willingness to expose and renounce the old ways, even the things they used to cherish.
Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the dramatic incident with the sons of Sceva, many people in Ephesus who had recently embraced faith in Jesus began to openly confess their past practices. This was especially true for those involved in magic and occult arts, who, moved by the power of the gospel and the fear of God, brought their magical books and revealed the true nature of their former lives. This profound response showcased the transformative power of God's word taking root deeply within their hearts.
The text says 'many of those who were now believers.' What does 'now' signify for these Ephesians? It's not just a change in time, but a profound shift in identity.
This phrase signals a pivotal moment. These individuals have moved from their old way of life, often steeped in magic and deception, to a new reality in Christ. 'Now believers' isn't just a label; it's a declaration of a transformed identity, a public alignment with Jesus. This new identity compels them to address their past.
Their previous practices were hidden, often involving secret rituals and manipulative knowledge. But the 'now' of their belief means they are stepping into the light. This transition isn't always smooth; it involves confronting the reality of their former lives with their new understanding of truth.
Why would someone, newly believing, choose to confess and reveal their past practices? It takes immense courage to lay bare what was once hidden.
The verse highlights two key actions: 'confessing' and 'divulging.'
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This willingness to reveal signifies a deep work of the Holy Spirit, prompting a desire for complete freedom from the grip of sin and a desire to align their public lives with their new private faith.
Understand the original words
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.
periergos · Greek Noun phrase
Occult, sorcery, or forbidden spiritual practices that attempt to control or manipulate spiritual powers outside of reliance on God.
logos · Greek Noun
The message of the Gospel concerning the person and work of Christ; it is viewed as the active, living power of God to transform lives and expand the kingdom.
ischuō · Greek Verb
To overcome, gain victory, or prove stronger; it describes the unstoppable nature of the Gospel as it spreads and transforms society.
This passage shows that genuine conversion isn't just intellectual assent, but a radical, public turning away from former ways, powerfully demonstrated by the dramatic renunciation of magical practices in a city saturated with them.
c. 1st century BC
Magic Flourished in Ephesus
Ephesus was renowned for its magical practices and charms, known as the 'Ephesian Writings.' Belief in magic was widespread among both the populace and Jewish communities.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
The Apostle Paul spent over two years in Ephesus, establishing a vibrant church and performing powerful signs and wonders, which greatly impacted the city.
c. AD 52-55— this verse
Exorcists Attempt to Use Jesus' Name
Seven sons of Sceva, Jewish exorcists, tried to cast out a demon using the name of Jesus, but the demon overpowered them, highlighting the true power of Christ over false magic.
c. AD 55
Mass Confession and Burning of Magical Books
Following the incident with Sceva's sons, many new believers, previously involved in sorcery, publicly confessed their practices and burned their valuable magical books, signifying a decisive break from their past.
c. AD 55
The Word of the Lord Grows Mightily
The dramatic events in Ephesus led to a powerful spread of the Christian message, confirming its truth and increasing the number of believers significantly.
c. AD 55-57
Paul's Extended Stay and Departure
Paul remained in Ephesus for some time longer, strengthening the church, before making plans to travel to Macedonia, Achaia, and eventually Rome, guided by the Holy Spirit.
This passage describes John the Baptist's ministry, where people confessed their sins to be baptized, mirroring the Ephesians' public acknowledgment of their past practices as a sign of repentance.
Joshua 24:14Joshua calls the Israelites to 'fear the Lord and serve him with all integrity' and to 'put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River.' This echoes the Ephesians' act of renouncing their former practices and wholeheartedly turning to God.
Romans 12:1-2Paul urges believers to 'present your bodies as a living sacrifice' and 'not be conformed to this world.' The Ephesians' confession and burning of their magic books demonstrate this transformative surrender and rejection of worldly practices.
1 John 1:9This verse states, 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' The Ephesians' confession exemplifies this principle of seeking cleansing through open acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
Micah 6:11-12The prophet questions those who 'measure out deceitful scales,' implying a revelation of hidden wrongdoings. The Ephesians’ confession and exposure of their 'deeds' fulfill this idea of bringing hidden iniquities to light.
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…
The text highlights that these new believers didn't just believe; they came and confessed, actively revealing their past practices. This voluntary, open declaration of their former deeds shows a profound internal shift, demonstrating that true faith isn't passive but results in a willingness to expose and renounce the old ways, even the things they used to cherish.
Following the dramatic incident with the sons of Sceva, many people in Ephesus who had recently embraced faith in Jesus began to openly confess their past practices. This was especially true for those involved in magic and occult arts, who, moved by the power of the gospel and the fear of God, brought their magical books and revealed the true nature of their former lives. This profound response showcased the transformative power of God's word taking root deeply within their hearts.
Following the dramatic incident with the sons of Sceva, many people in Ephesus who had recently embraced faith in Jesus began to openly confess their past practices. This was especially true for those involved in magic and occult arts, who, moved by the power of the gospel and the fear of God, brought their magical books and revealed the true nature of their former lives. This profound response showcased the transformative power of God's word taking root deeply within their hearts.
"Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of th…" — The text highlights that these new believers didn't just believe; they came and confessed, actively revealing their past practices. This voluntary, open declaration of their former deeds shows…
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Last reviewed October 2026
