Sceva
Summary
A Jewish chief priest at Ephesus whose seven sons attempted to cast out demons using Jesus' name, with disastrous results.
☩Identity
Sceva was a Jew residing at Ephesus during Paul's second visit to that city around AD 52. He is described as a 'chief priest,' which may mean he had once exercised the high priestly office in Jerusalem, or was chief of one of the twenty-four priestly courses, or perhaps simply claimed the title to enhance his sons' exorcism business.
☩The Failed Exorcism
Sceva's seven sons worked as itinerant exorcists and attempted to cast out demons by invoking 'the Jesus whom Paul preaches.' On one occasion, the demon acknowledged knowing Jesus and Paul, then demanded 'Who are you?' The demon-possessed man attacked two of them with such ferocity that they fled the house naked and wounded. This incident demonstrated that the power of Jesus' name could not be wielded like a magical formula by those without genuine faith.
☩Aftermath
This event became widely known throughout Ephesus, producing fear and causing many to hold the name of the Lord Jesus in high honor. Many believers confessed their occult practices and publicly burned their magic books, valued at fifty thousand pieces of silver. Satan's display of power through the possessed man ironically led to a great advance of the gospel.
Related Verses1 mention
Acts· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sceva," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Sceva," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Sceva," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).