November 5, 2006 · Acts 19:13–15

David & Cyril Tagteam - Acts 19:8-9

“Take for example, the exorcist sons of the high priest. … I'm going to use the powerful name of Jesus Christ, verse 13. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Skiva, a Jewish priest, were doing this. The seven sons of Skiva aren't believers. They're deceivers. You see, in one sense, you don't really blame them, They're pragmatists. They watch Paul casting out demons. They're like, “Hey, that works. Whatever works is true. I'm going to do this too.” So Paul's easily dismissing evil spirits in the name of Jesus. They're like, “I'm going to try the same tactic.” So they start treating the name of Jesus like it's a magic formula, It's like abracadabra: “Please, demon, scatter.” What they don't realise is that the name of Jesus isn't something to be played with. It's not a magic formula that anyone could just wave over something and make the situation go away. It's not how it works. It's a powerful name, but it's not a magic verse.”