New Testament
Acts 19:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Some itinerant Jewish exorcists attempted to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I command you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches."
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Then 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 preacheth.
What Acts 19:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see some Jewish exorcists trying to use the name of Jesus to cast out evil spirits. They were not followers of Jesus themselves but thought they could borrow His authority because they had heard about Him from Paul. This shows a misunderstanding of the power of Jesus' name. It's not just a magical phrase; it requires a genuine relationship with Him. The exorcists believed that by saying the name of Jesus, they could control the spirits, but they lacked the faith and connection that comes from truly knowing Him. This story highlights the importance of authenticity in our faith and the dangers of trying to use spiritual power without understanding its source. It reminds us that faith is not about using a name for our benefit but about a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. The power of Jesus is real, but it cannot be manipulated or taken lightly. True authority comes from knowing Him and living in His truth, not just repeating His name without understanding.
How to apply Acts 19:13 to your life
This passage encourages us to reflect on our own faith. Are we genuinely connected to Jesus, or are we just using His name for our purposes? True power comes from a real relationship with Him, not from mere words. Seek to deepen your understanding and connection with Jesus in your daily life. Trust in His authority and guidance as you navigate challenges and spiritual battles you face each day. It’s about knowing Him personally.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Word Spreads in Ephesus (Acts 19:8–20)
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Paul
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Acts 19:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 19:13 mean?
Acts 19:13 describes Jewish exorcists trying to use the name of Jesus to cast out evil spirits. They believed they could invoke His power without having a true relationship with Him, highlighting a misunderstanding of spiritual authority.
What is the significance of the name of Jesus in Acts 19:13?
In Acts 19:13, the name of Jesus represents true authority and power over evil. The exorcists' attempt to use His name without faith shows that it cannot be treated as a mere formula; it requires a genuine connection to Jesus.
What lesson can we learn from Acts 19:13?
Acts 19:13 teaches that spiritual authority comes from a real relationship with Jesus, not just from using His name. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity in faith and warns against trying to manipulate spiritual power.
Who were the exorcists in Acts 19:13?
The exorcists mentioned in Acts 19:13 were itinerant Jewish individuals who claimed to cast out evil spirits. They were not followers of Jesus but attempted to use His name based on what they heard from Paul.
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