Seven Sons of Sceva - Acts 19:14

The beloved physician Luke wrote how, “certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches”, and in chapter nineteen and verse fourteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “there were seven sons of one Sceva” where we read:

And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

The verse begins, “And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, ...”: Luke began with the words, “and there were seven sons” which means “and there existed seven male offspring, posterity and descendants” “of one Sceva” or “belonging to a man whose name was Sceva which means mind reader and was a certain chief priest residing at Ephesus”, “a Jew” which means “a Jewish man as respects to origin, birth or religion”. Luke referred to “seven male descendants” of a man name “Sceva” who resided in the city of Ephesus.

The verse goes on to say, “... and chief of the priests, which did so.” Luke continued with the words, “and chief of the priests” or “and principal, high and lead spiritual leader among the Jews who had much influence in public affairs ”, “which did so” which means “who even so and indeed made ready, produced and performed the same acts of using Jesus' name to cast out demons”. Luke shared how these “seven sons of Sceva”, who was the “high priest”, attempted to use the name of Jesus to cast out evil spirits like the “vagabond Jews”.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the “seven sons” of the high priest whose name was “Sceva” attempted to remove demons from people by employing the name of “Jesus” whom “Paul” preached. We shall see what happens to them in our next couple verses, but for now, let us be mindful that these “sons” were attempting to employ a “supernatural miracle” from a basis of their own position and presumed authority. God gives supernatural abilities to people when He deems them necessary, and those who attempt to imitate them without the power and direction of God only bring upon themselves great troubles and difficulties. God's desire is to save people from the penalty of sin which is death, and when they believe and trust in His Son Jesus as their “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. This is the greatest miracle of all and deliverance from “evil spirits and influences” are granted and provided through Him. Let all who read these words carefully examine the attempts of these “seven sons of Sceva” and purpose to never try to employ the name of Jesus for that which they do not know nor understand.

Next time Luke shares how the evil spirit says, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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