The power of the Name of Jesus
The Name of Jesus is powerful beyond our understanding, but it’s not a magic word or incantation. God works powerfully through His children who rely on the grace and authority of Jesus Christ. God exercises the power of Jesus Christ through us when we confess our sin, humble ourselves and trust completely in Him rather than our own strength or that of anything else. Evil seems to triumph in the world, but remember Jesus Christ has already overcome the world, our sin and the enemy. Jesus wins, always and forever.
Scripture
Acts 19:11-20 ESV And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, [12] so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. [13] Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” [14] Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. [15] But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” [16] And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. [17] And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. [18] Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. [19] And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. [20] So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
Through the Scripture
Extraordinary miracles
God worked unusual miracles through Paul in Ephesus just as Jesus promised would happen in His Church. Jesus promised that this would happen in order to bring glory to God. While we can’t always expect extraordinary miracles, we can always expect God to do powerful things through ordinary people for His glory.
Acts 19:11-12 ESV And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.
John 14:10-14 ESV Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. [11] Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. [12] “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. [13] Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Invoking the Name of Jesus
The occultist culture and environment in Ephesus was used to using spells, charms and incantations. Some of these people thought they could use the name of Jesus for profit and pride, but couldn’t understand that relationship is what matters not rituals. Jesus does powerful things through those who trust and obey Him.
Acts 19:13-14 ESV Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” [14] Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this.
Mark 16:15-18 ESV And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; [18] they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink aIsaiah 45:22-24 ESV ny deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Empty words not designated messengers
The supposed exorcists were found out. The evil spirits knew Jesus Christ and feared Him as the Son of God, they recognised Paul as His representative, but totally disregarded the sons of Sceva. Jesus had not given them authority and so their words were empty and just antagonised the spirits..
Acts 19:15 ESV But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”
Matthew 8:29 ESV And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?”
Acts 19:12] ESV so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.
Evil seeks to prevail with fear, shame and suffering
The enemy wants to shame us so that we will run from God in fear of judgment, Jesus humbles us so that we run to God in our suffering.
Acts 19:16 ESV And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
John 10:10 ESV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 8:44 ESV You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Genesis 3:10 ESV And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.”
The Name of Jesus extolled
The Name of Jesus will ultimately be exalted among His believers and His enemies. Everyone will give Him the glory He alone deserves. This happened in Ephesus where the actions of the people and the evil spirits, no matter their motives, ultimately were used to glorify Jesus and draw people to Him. This is the promise of God, it will ultimately happen regardless of what anyone, human or demonic, tries to do.
Acts 19:17 ESV And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled.
Isaiah 45:22-24 ESV “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. [23] By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’ [24] “Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him.
Philippians 2:9-11 ESV Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Confessing, exposing and openly burning bridges
Burning the bridges to your past sin will cost you,, but it’s worth every cent, becuase it removes the things which could draw us away from Jesus and threaten our eternal life.
Acts 19:18-19 ESV Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. [19] And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.
1 John 1:9-10 ESV If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
James 5:15-16 ESV And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. [16] Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, [23] and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, [24] and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
The Word of the Lord prevails powerfully
The evil spirits prevailed against the sons of Sceva, the same Greek word is used to highlight the parallel with how the Word of Jesus Christ continued to prevail mightily. This hammers home the point that Jesus always prevails and will prevail forever against everything and everyone.
Acts 19:20 ESV So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
Isaiah 55:10-13 ESV “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, [11] so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. [12] “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. [13] Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”
Daily Devotions
Monday: The Power of Extraordinary Miracles
Today's Verse And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. Acts 19:11-12
Reflection God performs unusual, or extraordinary, miracles through people. His power worked through Paul, who was merely a human being, demonstrating that our past does not disqualify us if we trust in Jesus. These works fulfill the promise Jesus made that believers would do the works He did, and even greater works, because He was going to the Father. This happens so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. The miracles were considered extraordinary because they involved items Paul had worn, like garments or sweat-cloths, being taken to the sick or demon-possessed people to bring freedom and healing. This unusual method was used in a culture obsessed with magic and the occult to demonstrate that those charms and amulets were powerless compared to the reality of Jesus' authority. It is not the item doing the work, but the power associated with the name of Jesus.
Additional Scripture Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own authority, but the Father who dwells in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:10-14
Life Application We should not merely be stationary spectators in the church, but actively involved witnesses of Him working through us. We must realize that the Lord can do powerful things through any one of us at any stage. We must rely completely on Him, knowing that He performs the works through us. We should not trust in any physical token, gadget, or charm to ward off evil spirits, as that opens the door to interference; only Jesus provides real protection and freedom.
Prayer points
Pray for belief that He can do powerful and incredible things through ordinary people, including you.
Ask Him to help you step out and be a witness of His power working through you.
Pray that He would open your eyes to the full force of Jesus Christ when confronted by evil.
Tuesday: Relationship Over Rituals
Today's Verse Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. Acts 19:13-14
Reflection These itinerant exorcists decided to try using the name of Jesus because they saw how powerful it was. They were operating in a culture where people were accustomed to buying spells or amulets, and these men were peddling substitutes. They mistakenly thought the name of Jesus was a magic word, a ritual, or an incantation that they could use for profit. They failed to understand that the authority and power to cast out demons is given by Jesus through a relationship, not through a formula or ritual. They were taking a dangerous chance, confronting spiritual power in their own strength without a true relationship with Him.
Additional Scripture And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:15-18
Life Application We must understand that power is exercised through those who trust and obey Jesus. The power of His name is not automatic or for manipulation; it is an overflow of knowing Him. If we are trying to do His work in our own strength or by relying on rituals instead of a relationship, we are putting ourselves on the line. His authority is given to those who love Him and obey Him.
Prayer points
Pray that you would deepen your personal relationship with Him and not treat His name as a means to an end.
Ask Him for the wisdom to discern between true faith and religious ritual.
Pray for courage to act on His authority given through faith, rather than relying on your own strength or superficial methods.
Wednesday: Known by the Spirits
Today's Verse But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” Acts 19:15
Reflection The evil spirit clearly differentiated between Jesus, Paul, and the seven sons. Evil spirits know who Jesus is; they are terrified of Him, they shriek, scream, and plead when He appears before them. They know Him as the Son of God. They recognized Paul, meaning they understood he was a servant of Christ who operated with His authority. However, the spirits completely disregarded the supposed exorcists, asking, "who are you?". Because the sons of Sceva did not have a relationship with Him, their words were empty and only antagonized the spirits.
Additional Scripture And behold, they cried out, “What have You to do with us, O Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” Matthew 8:29
Life Application We should strive to be so close to Him that spiritual powers recognize our association with Him. Knowing that evil spirits are aware of Jesus and tremble before Him should instill in us awe for His supreme power and authority. We must ensure our actions are backed by a true relationship with Him, so that we are recognized as His messengers and not found to be empty words.
Prayer points
Pray for a deepening awareness of the authority and power Jesus has over all creation and all spiritual enemies.
Ask Him to help you live a life recognized by the spiritual realm as one under His authority.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would empower you so that His presence is evident in your life and actions.
Thursday: The Work of the Enemy
Today's Verse And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. Acts 19:16
Reflection The enemy seeks to prevail through fear, shame, and suffering. The evil spirit, through the possessed man, overpowered the seven exorcists. They were injured, and the injury was described as a long-lasting wound. They fled naked and ashamed. This illustrates what Satan always does: he makes us afraid, makes us ashamed, and inflicts injury. This resulting ungodly fear makes us run away from God. This contrasts sharply with a godly fear, which causes us to humble ourselves, be healed, and run toward God.
Additional Scripture The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” Genesis 3:10
Life Application We must recognize that the enemy exists and messes with us. If we do not know what the problem is, we cannot solve it. We need to know that Satan takes joy in the pain and suffering He causes, especially when we don't realize it is Him. If we feel ashamed, afraid, and are tempted to run away from Him, we must recognize that this is the tactic of the enemy. We must instead run to Him in humility for healing.
Prayer points
Pray that you would recognize the schemes of the enemy in your life.
Ask Him to replace any feelings of shame and fear with a godly fear that draws you closer to Him.
Pray for Him to crush the force of evil that may be allowed in your life, so that your eyes are opened to His full power.
Friday: Extolling the Name
Today's Verse And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Acts 19:17
Reflection When the residents of Ephesus heard about the exorcists' humiliating defeat, fear fell upon them. This incident turned rebels into worshippers. This fear was a godly fear; it humbled the people and caused them to exalt Jesus. Regardless of the motives of the people or the evil spirits, the outcome was that the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled and glorified. His name will ultimately be exalted among His believers and His enemies. This is His promise: every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Additional Scripture “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By Myself I have sworn; from My mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’ “Only in the LORD, it shall be said of Me, are righteousness and strength; to Him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against Him. Isaiah 45:22-24 Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11
Life Application We must understand that even terrifying events can be used by Him to turn people back to Him. We should welcome the fear that humbles us, heals us, and connects us to Him. Our focus should always be on exalting Jesus, rather than seeking our own exaltation or recognition. We should expect Him to use every circumstance to bring glory to His name.
Prayer points
Pray for a heart that seeks to exalt Jesus Christ in all circumstances.
Ask Him to instill in you a godly fear that draws you into His presence.
Pray that events in your community would cause others to see His supremacy and extol His name.
Saturday: Confession and Exposure
Today's Verse Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. Acts 19:18
Reflection Many who had become believers responded to the powerful demonstration of His authority by confessing and openly revealing their past practices. This action shows the appropriate response to God confronting evil in our lives. Confession and divulging sin is necessary for Him to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We need to expose the practices we used to trust in, which is a key step in turning away from rebellion and becoming a true worshipper. We must acknowledge that if we say we have no sin, we make Him a liar.
Additional Scripture If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:9-10 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, He will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:15-16
Life Application When we come to know Jesus, we need to publicly acknowledge and remove whatever was a false god in our life before Him. If we have been involved in the occult, spiritism, fortune telling, or related practices, the scriptures clearly forbid having anything to do with them. We need to actively confess these sins and expose them. This is how we move toward healing and freedom.
Prayer points
Pray for the courage to confess and divulge any practices that interfered with your relationship with Him.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any secret sin or hidden dependence that needs to be brought into the light.
Pray for forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness as you confess your past.
Sunday: Burning the Bridges
Today's Verse And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. Acts 19:19-20
Reflection Those who had practiced magic arts brought their books, worth a great sum of money, and burned them publicly. They understood that these things were worthless and filthy substitutes for His power. Burning these items symbolized destroying the "bridges" back to their old lifestyle and sin. When we get rid of things we rely on instead of Him, we must burn the bridges so we cannot go back. This act of sacrifice, though costly, sets us free because we are no longer dependent on those things, but completely dependent on Jesus. While evil prevailed over those without a relationship with Him, His Word continued to increase and prevail mightily over everything. This prevailing power shows that Jesus always wins and His victory is eternal.
Additional Scripture to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” Isaiah 55:10-13
Life Application We must be ready to burn bridges to anything that separates us from Him—whether it is an addiction, involvement in the occult, or reliance on medication or material things instead of Him. Sometimes, to burn a bridge spiritually, we must also do it physically for the change to truly hit home and be genuine. When the next difficulty hits, we must look to Jesus and only to Jesus, knowing that the word of the Lord will prevail mightily.
Prayer points
Ask Him for the desire, freedom, and wisdom to identify and burn the bridges that lead you back to sin.
Pray for complete dependence on Him, especially during times of suffering or difficulty.
Pray for His Word to continue increasing and prevailing mightily in your life and community.