Acts 19:15

And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

Acts 19:15 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of a larger account in Ephesus, where seven sons of a Jewish chief priest named Sceva were attempting to cast out an evil spirit. They invoked the name of Jesus, the name they had heard Paul preach, but they did so without a relationship with Christ or divine commission. The evil spirit’s reply exposes their lack of authority.

Meaning

The spirit’s response acknowledges Jesus and Paul, showing that even demonic forces recognize true spiritual power. Jesus is the Son of God, and Paul is His faithful servant, through whom God worked extraordinary miracles. But the question “but who are ye?” reveals that the sons of Sceva had no such standing. They were using the name as a magical formula, not as those sent by Christ.

Biblical connections

This incident follows the extraordinary miracles God worked through Paul in Acts 19:11-12, and it leads to the demon-possessed man overpowering the exorcists, so that they fled naked and wounded (Acts 19:16). The result was that fear fell on the people, the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified, and many believers publicly confessed their deeds and burned their magic books (Acts 19:17-19).

Application

Spiritual authority is not gained by repeating a name or imitating a preacher. It comes from a genuine relationship with Christ and being sent by Him. This verse calls every believer to examine the source of their authority in spiritual matters and to rely on Christ alone, not on human formulas or reputation.

Reflection

The evil spirit knew Jesus and Paul, but it did not know the sons of Sceva. This reminds us that the forces of evil are aware of the true power behind the name of Jesus and the testimony of faithful servants like Paul. It also warns against presumption, urging us to live in authentic faith and dependence on God’s power.