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Acts 19:15

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 19:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the evil spirit answered and said unto them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are ye?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the evil spirit answered and said unto them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are ye?
Acts 19:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12insomuch that unto the sick were carried away from his body handkerchiefs or aprons, and the evil spirits went out.
13But certain also of the strolling Jews, exorcists, took upon them to name over them that had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
14And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, who did this.
15And the evil spirit answered and said unto them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are ye?
16And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and mastered both of them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
17And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, that dwelt at Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
18Many also of them that had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds.
← Acts 19:14Acts 19:16 →
← Full Chapter 19 Acts Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the evil spirit answered and said, etc.] The Alexandrian copy, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, add, “to them”; to the seven sons of Sceva: Jesus I know; to be the Son of God and Messiah, and own that he has power of dispossessing spirits, of which there were many instances in the days of his flesh: and Paul I know; and own to be a servant of the most high God, by whom miracles of this kind have been wrought: but who are ye? you are not the disciples of Jesus, nor the servants of God, but the children of the devil, and have no power over us, but on the other hand are subject to us.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“the evil spirit answered, Jesus I know--"recognize." and Paul I know--"know intimately," in contrast to them, whom he altogether disowns. but who are ye?”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Jesus I know - His power to cast out devils I know. Compare Matthew 8:29. Paul I know - Paul’s power to cast out devils, Acts . Acts 19:12. But who are ye? - What power have you over evil spirits? By what right do you attempt to expel them? The meaning is, “You belong neither to Jesus nor Paul, and you have no right or authority to at tempt to work miracles in the name of either.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Act 16:17, Act 16:18; Gen 3:1-5; Kg1 22:21-23; Mat 8:29-31; Mar 1:24, Mar 1:34, Mar 5:9-13; Luk 4:33-35, Luk 8:28-32 Acts 19:16”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification