Chapter

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.
NIV When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.
NASB This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified.
CSB When this became known to everyone who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, they became afraid, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high esteem.
NLT The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored.
KJV And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
NKJV This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

What does Acts 19:17 mean?

Ephesus was so well known for witchcraft that the phrase "Ephesian writings" refers to inscribed magical spells. The city also had an infestation of demons, likely drawn by the humans who desired interaction with supernatural power. The demons, in turn, attracted Jewish exorcists. The Roman Empire was so inundated with gods and idols that people sometimes looked to the east for more esoteric, less banal spirituality. Judaism, with its invisible God, often drew interest, and Jewish magicians, looking to make money, took advantage.

So it is that Paul's ministry might not have seemed so unusual except that it is incredibly effective. He not only heals and expels demons, but also cloth he has touched heals and expels demons. The Jewish magicians note he uses the name of "Jesus" and add the name to their repertoire of magical incantations (Acts 19:11–12).

It may have been effective for some demons, but when seven sons of a Jewish high priest try to exorcise a powerful demon "by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims," the demon acknowledges it knows Jesus and Paul but not them. He then beats them until they flee from the house naked (Acts 19:13–16).

The Ephesians suddenly realize that words hold no power but "Jesus whom Paul proclaims" does. They worship Jesus, repent from their witchcraft, and burn their spell books (Acts 19:18–19).
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