The apostle Paul from Tarsus ,
in present-day Turkey , was
hand-picked by Jesus to travel the Roman Empire ,
proclaiming the good news of Christ. Once a merciless persecutor of the early
church, Paul became one of the most influential men in history, and certainly
the greatest Christian author ever to write.
Paul worked miracles in Ephesus , baptizing and laying on hands; he
even found a few stray disciples who’d never heard of the Holy Spirit.
“Into what exactly were you baptized?” Paul said
incredulously. Patiently Paul walked them through their response; they thought
they were washed by John’s baptism.
They were eager to hear from the mystical teacher, “you
don’t understand what John meant; he always pointed the way to Jesus,” he
instructed, “remember how John said ‘the kingdom is at hand’ reminding everyone
he was not worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals.” “John the Baptist made it very
clear he was speaking about Jesus.”
Paul further implored, “it’s more than baptism, it’s about repentance,”
it did not take very long to explain how big was the difference; eventually agreeing,
they were baptized in Jesus’ name.
Paul's journeys
Paul's journeys
As part of Paul’s ministry team these disciples followed him
to the synagogue and also when he taught at the Tyrannus Ephesian
School Ephesus .
Never spoken of as “Exorcism,” these practices were common
in this superstitious age; however, only Christian apostles were sent by Jesus
to proclaim the gospel, heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead. In
fact, Jesus reminded them that they received this power from him (Gospel account
of Matthew, chapter 10:8), “without paying a price,” so he required they likewise
serve without pay.
But in this culture as with many others, money was the
lifeblood of commerce, even in the spiritual arts. It was in this environment
that certain disreputable scoundrels took advantage of the phenomenal ministry
of Paul.
The Sons of Sceva
Vagabond Jews tried their hand at exorcism by imitating what
they’d heard about Paul’s miraculous ways. One particular cadre of fakers was
known as the “Sons of Sceva,” and Luke reports this interesting story occurring
in Ephesus ; NT
book of Acts, chapter 19. These young men toured around Ephesus together as a
merry band of thieves, buoyed by their audacity and trading on the credibility
that came with their “religious” heritage. Their father was a Jewish
high-priest, raising them in the synagogue; so naturally, they carried
themselves with a counterfeit holiness, conjuring respect and misplaced trust
in their victims. They said a lot, without meaning any of it. Classic fraud,
but it was profitable.
“Holy men do not convey the power vested in them for an
hourly wage,” they piously pronounced. “We require sincere support in order to
maintain this important ministry; so if we are able to help your family in
their time of need, won’t you sacrifice for our sake?” These investors did not
know enough to recognize the healers as bogus; they failed to investigate the
authority upon which these brothers did business. Pressing further, digging
deeper into their well of guilt; the Sons of Sceva drew out funds by appealing
to multiple levels of narcissism.
“Don’t you want to heal your father? Would not that make you
the wisest of his offspring, the one most likely to win his favor?” “If you
want the best of God’s forces to visit your house, then you must invest the
best of your resources to make it happen.” They never guaranteed success, but implied it by reciting a fantastic track record of healing and casting
out demons. Just like Paul did it; they promised.
Requiring immediate compensation up-front, these Scevian schemers reminded
customers that sometimes “holy release” would come after the caravan’s departure. They were powerful but it was a mystery how God worked with them, although often contributions ratcheted upward the more serious the problem; embellishment
ballooning with imbursement.
Acts 19:13
“I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims,” was pronounced over the possessed man; clearly invoking His name yet without the divine authority of Christ. It was like trying to get into a concert without a ticket, but it was a very profitable gig for the sons of Sceva. (end of Part I)
“I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims,” was pronounced over the possessed man; clearly invoking His name yet without the divine authority of Christ. It was like trying to get into a concert without a ticket, but it was a very profitable gig for the sons of Sceva. (end of Part I)
©Mark
H. Pillsbury
