Acts 19:13

“Then certain of the vagabond Jews, etc.] Who strolled about from place to place, pretending to tell fortunes, cure diseases by charms, and dispossess devils by conjuration, and therefore are called as follows, exorcists; such there were among the Jews, as Justin Martyr observes f969, who adjured by the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: these took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits, the name of the Lord Jesus; they imitated the Apostle Paul, and attempted to do as he did, using the same: name; hoping to get money or applause, or both, in this way; and it may be observed, that there were some who really did cast out devils in the name of Christ, who did not belong to him,…”

“vagabond Jews--simply, "wandering Jews," who went from place to place practicing exorcism, or the art of conjuring evil spirits to depart out of the possessed. That such a power did exist, for some time at least, seems implied in Mat 12:27. But no doubt this would breed imposture; and the present case is very different from that referred to in Luk 9:49-50. We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth--a striking testimony to the power of Christ's name in Paul's mouth.”

“The vagabond Jews - Greek: Jews going about - περιερχομένων perierchomenōn. The word “vagabond” with us is now commonly used in a bad sense, to denote “a vagrant; a man who has no home; an idle, worthless fellow.” The word, however, properly means “one wandering from place to place, without any settled habitation, from whatever cause it may be.” Here it denotes “those Jews who wandered from place to place, practicing exorcism.” Exorcists - ἐξορκιστῶν exorkistōn. This word properly denotes “those who went about pretending to be able to expel evil spirits, or to cure diseases by charms, incantations,” etc. The word is derived from ὁρκίζω horkizō, “to bind with an oath.” It was applied…”

“Exorcists - Several of the Jews about this time pretended to a power of casting out devils, particularly by certain arts or charms, supposed to be derived from Solomon. Undertook to name - Vain undertaking! Satan laughs at all those who attempt to expel him either out of the bodies or the souls of men but by Divine faith. All the light of reason is nothing to the craft or strength of that subtle spirit. His craft cannot be known but by the Spirit of God nor can his strength be conquered but by the power of faith. Acts 19:17”

“19:13-16 Paul’s effectiveness is contrasted with the impotence of the traveling Jewish exorcists, who used the name of Jesus as though it were magical but did not have a relationship with him or the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (cp. Matt 12:27; Mark 9:38-39; Luke 9:49-50; 11:19).”

“vagabond: Gen 4:12, Gen 4:14; Psa 109:10 exorcists: Mat 12:27; Luk 11:19 took: Act 8:18, Act 8:19; Mar 9:38; Luk 9:49 adjure: Jos 6:26; Sa1 14:24; Kg1 22:16; Mat 26:63; Mar 5:7 Acts 19:15”