Acts 19:14

Saturday, 5 August 2023

Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. Acts 19:14

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The words more precisely read, “And there were certain sons of Sceva – a Jew, a high priest – seven are doing this.”

In the previous verse, wandering Jewish exorcists were using the name of Jesus in an attempt to exorcise evil spirits. Luke now continues, saying, “And there were certain sons of Sceva.”

This Sceva (Greek: Skeuas) is not seen anywhere else and his name is otherwise completely unknown. Strong’s thinks it could be from a Latin name meaning “left-handed.” However, Abarim says it is derived from skeuos which describes any kind of portable utensil. As such, they define his name as Handy Man, Pragmatist, or maybe Sorcerer’s Apprentice. As for this Sceva, he is next identified as “a Jew, a high priest.”

This title is speculated to be one of many things. There is no definite article and so it is “a chief priest.” He could have been one of the leaders of the twenty-four courses of priests first recorded in 1 Chronicles 24, a member of the Sanhedrin, a leader of the Jews in Ephesus, or some other person of note or claiming to be of note by using the title without any commission to do so.

Of his sons, they are next numbered as “seven.” All seven are itinerant exorcists. Probably the reason for giving the number is to show that this wasn’t just a wayward son who was out embarrassing his father. Rather, he had seven sons and all seven were doing it. Thus, it is an indication that they were brought up in this manner. The father was using his position (real or supposed) as a chief priest in this way, and they were following suit. Of these seven sons, Luke next records that they “are doing this.”

It is a present participle denoting that it was their regular and ongoing practice. This sets the stage for what is to come as the narrative continues.

Life application: Titles do not make a person. Too often, people get star-struck by titles, treating the bearer of them with unhealthy attention. Obviously, if someone has a title and that is all you know about him, it helps establish a baseline for who you are dealing with. However, as you get to know the individual, you may find out that the person you are dealing with doesn’t deserve the respect of the title he possesses.

Be ever on guard to evaluate people fairly and without bias. There are innumerable people who don’t possess any title of note in society and yet who are decent, honorable folks worthy of great respect. There are also lots of people with important titles that aren’t worthy of a greeting in the morning.

Treat people according to the person they are, apart from titles, positions, genealogies, etc. This is a good way to establish your relationships, and you will find your friends and associates will be people you can depend upon as you continue throughout life.

Heavenly Father, help us to not show favoritism toward others, but to treat people fairly and according to who they are as people of true and honorable character. May we not get caught up in flashy titles, important positions in society, or how rich others are. Instead, help us to notice the more important aspects of life in the people we deal with. Amen.