Why weren't the seven sons of Sceva able to cast out the evil spirit in a possessed man if they cast it out in Jesus Christ's name?
Acts 19:11 - 17
ESV - 11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul. 12 So that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.
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Asked May 17 2017
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Chris Curtsinger
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
Although the Jewish exorcists mentioned in the passage cited in the question invoked the name of Jesus, they themselves had no faith in Him (as indicated by the fact that they referred to Him as "Jesus, whom Paul preaches" (Acts 19:13)). Jesus instructed His apostles not to stop someone who was casting out demons in His name, even though he was not one of them (Luke 9:49), but that individual apparently at least had genuine personal faith in Jesus. The sons of Sceva in Acts 19 did not have such faith (as also indicated by the fact that, although they knew about Jesus, they were acting in concert with other Jewish exorcists, rather than as followers of Christ).
JD Abshire
Supporter
"And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" (Acts 19:15) Used twice in this verse, the word "know" is used in different senses. "Jesus I know"...... Greek ginōskō, this spirit has a personal knowledge of Jesus, is acquainted with him. "Paul I know"...... Greek epistamai, to put one's attention on. This spirit knows of Paul. I believe the distinction is important. Notice the spirit did not say "I knew" as in past tense but rather "I know", (present tense). Consider this incident occurred many years after the crucifixion.This vile spirit's statement was witness to the eternal Son's resurrection. "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19).
Billy P Eldred
Supporter
I believe the answer to your question is that the Power to drive out demons did not lie in saying Jesus name, rather in Jesus Himself, God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Without the Faith necessary to receive the Holy Spirit and Power from Jesus and God the Father these men stood no chance against demons.
Theodore Bilbrey
Supporter
Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. The Sons of Sceva had no power to confront the evil one because they were not within the Church of Christ. Christ gave authority to His Church and the Apostles whom He chose by giving them the Holy Ghost. John 20:22-23 And when He had said this, He breathed in them and said unto them, "Recieve ye the Holy Ghost. Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever sins ye retain, they are retained."
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