Acts 19:11-20 The Seven Sons of Sceva

At a time when Paul was in Tyrannus, God was doing specctacular miracles by his hand. (vs.11) Even pieces of cloth that had touched Paul's skin was being trasported to the hospitals and used to heal the sick and demon possessed. He was so popular in fact that Jewish excorcists were beginning to invoke Jesus name to aid them in their practices. In particular were seven sons of the Jewish high priest Sceva. I found 2 points mentioned in this particularly interesting.

1. The sons would only invoke the name of Jesus in conjunction with Paul's proclamation. (vs.13)
   
2. The evil spirits did hear them but say, "Jesus I know, Paul I reccognize, but who are you?" (vs.15)
   

Now the way in which these men were proclaiming Jesus name I believe was flawed and therefore would not produce their desired result of driving the evil spirit out of the patient. The did not proclaim Him as their Savior and source of power and authority but rather as a lesser tool handed down and used by Paul's work. It was no wonder that they were quickly rebuked by the evil spirit, wounded, and driven away. If Jesus is not our captain and source of strength then we are no match for the enemy.

17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

Mark 16:17 (ESV)

Now the opposite example of this was Paul. In him Jesus had full control to the point that the evil spirits themselves recognized his name. As I write I also come to mind that all the evil spirits in the world know Jesus and do not deny that he is Lord of all. After all they dwelt in heaven with Him before they fell with Lucifer. The devil and his angels know that their time is coming to an end.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 (ESV)

12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”

Rev 12:12 (ESV)

What a glorious day taht will be when I see my Lord and embrace Him.