Seven Sons and the One Name

Seven Sons and the One Name
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“And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know and Paul I know, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15)

By the leading of the Lord, Paul went to Ephesus. As a result, a three year revival broke out. The power of God was so strong in Paul’s meeting that people were being set free of demons and sickness whether they had attended the meetings or not! Handkerchiefs and aprons were taken from Paul’s body to the oppressed in the city and demons and diseases were leaving their infirmed bodies! Revival had truly come to Ephesus!

The citizens of Ephesus had grown accustomed to manifestations of the supernatural through Satan and his demons, but not from God. They had never seen a revival of this magnitude. For years, a group of men known as the sons of Sceva, had been in the area casting out demons for money. They were called “exorcists” because they worked in partnership with Satan and appeared as if they were operating in God’s power. Although they could cast out devils, those oppressed were only temporarily relieved of their suffering. The demons would inevitably return with greater control and the sons of Sceva would be called back by suffering families to work their magic once again, but for more money.

When Paul came to Ephesus, the results were permanent without charge! He came in the name of Jesus. Seeing Paul’s results, the sons of Sceva decided to try his methods in conjunction with theirs. They used their own magic formula along with the powerful name of Jesus. When they said, “We adjure (exercise) you by Jesus whom Paul preaches” (vs. 13) they were not expecting what happened.

A demon answered them saying that he knew Paul and Jesus but he did not know them! Isn’t that interesting? Satan does not know his own! Sinners are unknown in their own kingdom! Here’s the sad part—they are also unknown in God’s kingdom. To those who one day try to claim eternal life through their works, Jesus will say “Depart from me, you workers of iniquity, I never knew you.” But when you accept Jesus as your Lord, you can insert your name too! Satan knows Jesus, and Satan knows you! We are in good company, aren’t we?

For related information, check out Delving Into Demons at the BYM Store.