10 This took place for two years , so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord , both Jews and Greeks . 11 God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul , 12 so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick , and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.
13 But also some of the Jewish exorcists , who went from place to place , attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus , saying , "I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 19:10-13
Commentary on Acts 19:8-12
(Read Acts 19:8-12)
When arguments and persuasions only harden men in unbelief and blasphemy, we must separate ourselves and others from such unholy company. God was pleased to confirm the teaching of these holy men of old, that if their hearers believed them not, they might believe the works.
Commentary on Acts 19:13-20
(Read Acts 19:13-20)
It was common, especially among the Jews, for persons to profess or to try to cast out evil spirits. If we resist the devil by faith in Christ, he will flee from us; but if we think to resist him by the using of Christ's name, or his works, as a spell or charm, Satan will prevail against us. Where there is true sorrow for sin, there will be free confession of sin to God in every prayer and to man whom we have offended, when the case requires it. Surely if the word of God prevailed among us, many lewd, infidel, and wicked books would be burned by their possessors. Will not these Ephesian converts rise up in judgement against professors, who traffic in such works for the sake of gain, or allow themselves to possess them? If we desire to be in earnest in the great work of salvation, every pursuit and enjoyment must be given up which hinders the effect of the gospel upon the mind, or loosens its hold upon the heart.