9 But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient , speaking evil of the Way before the people , he withdrew from them and took away the disciples , reasoning daily e in the school of Tyrannus . 10 This took place for two years , so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord , both Jews and Greeks . 11 God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul , 12 so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick , and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.
13 But also some of the Jewish exorcists , who went from place to place , attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus , saying , "I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches ." 14 Seven sons of one Sceva , a Jewish chief priest , were doing this . 15 And the evil spirit answered and said to them, "I recognize Jesus , and I know about Paul , but who are you?" 16 And the man , in whom was the evil spirit , leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded . 17 This became known to all , both Jews and Greeks , who lived in Ephesus ; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified . 18 Many also of those who had believed kept coming , confessing and disclosing their practices . 19 And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone ; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty e thousand pieces of silver . 20 So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing .
21 Now after these things were finished , Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia , saying , "After I have been there , I must also see Rome ." 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus , he himself stayed in Asia for a while .
23 About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 19:9-23
Commentary on Acts 19:8-12
(Read Acts 19:8-12)
When arguments and persuasions only harden men in unbelief and blasphemy, we must separate ourselves and others from such unholy company. God was pleased to confirm the teaching of these holy men of old, that if their hearers believed them not, they might believe the works.
Commentary on Acts 19:13-20
(Read Acts 19:13-20)
It was common, especially among the Jews, for persons to profess or to try to cast out evil spirits. If we resist the devil by faith in Christ, he will flee from us; but if we think to resist him by the using of Christ's name, or his works, as a spell or charm, Satan will prevail against us. Where there is true sorrow for sin, there will be free confession of sin to God in every prayer and to man whom we have offended, when the case requires it. Surely if the word of God prevailed among us, many lewd, infidel, and wicked books would be burned by their possessors. Will not these Ephesian converts rise up in judgement against professors, who traffic in such works for the sake of gain, or allow themselves to possess them? If we desire to be in earnest in the great work of salvation, every pursuit and enjoyment must be given up which hinders the effect of the gospel upon the mind, or loosens its hold upon the heart.
Commentary on Acts 19:21-31
(Read Acts 19:21-31)
Persons who came from afar to pay their devotions at the temple of Ephesus, bought little silver shrines, or models of the temple, to carry home with them. See how craftsmen make advantage to themselves of people's superstition, and serve their worldly ends by it. Men are jealous for that by which they get their wealth; and many set themselves against the gospel of Christ, because it calls men from all unlawful crafts, however much wealth is to be gotten by them. There are persons who will stickle for what is most grossly absurd, unreasonable, and false; as this, that those are gods which are made with hands, if it has but worldly interest on its side. The whole city was full of confusion, the common and natural effect of zeal for false religion. Zeal for the honour of Christ, and love to the brethren, encourage zealous believers to venture into danger. Friends will often be raised up among those who are strangers to true religion, but have observed the honest and consistent behaviour of Christians.