Bible Study Project Observation Template
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Dec 6, 2023
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BIBL 104
Name: Isiah Sabellano
B
IBLE
S
TUDY
P
ROJECT
: O
BSERVATION
T
EMPLATE
Passage: Acts 19:11-22
A. I have read Acts 19:11-22 in both a formal translation (NASB, NRSV,
ESV, or CSB)
and a functional translation (
NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer. Please
use the translation provided in your digital library or found at Biblegateway.com
x
Yes
o
No
B.
Having read the passage in both formal and functional translation, list at least 2 similarities
and 3 differences between the way both translations cover this story. These similarities and
differences should be related to the text itself rather than the translation. For example, an
observation like, “The formal translation is harder to read” is not an acceptable observation
because it deals with the translation itself rather than the text. You may list as many
similarities and differences that you find providing that you meet the minimum amount for
each one.
1.
Similarity – The translations emphasize on the recognition of Paul and his ability to
create miracles through the aid of God.
2.
Similarity – Both translations highlight the removal of illnesses and evil spirits
through Jesus and his mighty name. While it also, shows how the associated
demonic activity was exploited by the Jewish Chief Priest.
3.
Difference – Some may thereafter believe that the harm caused by bad spirits was
less or more as a result. Given that it was never stated in the ESV version whether
the wounds are inside, exterior, or bloody. As we could see from the different
translations coming from Acts (ESV) where it says “naked and wounded” and on
the other hand, in Acts (NIV) it says “naked and bleeding”.
4.
Difference – In Acts (ESV) translation the choice of words when it came practicing
“magic arts” gives it a lighter tone than practicing “sorcery” which was the word
used in then (NIV) translation. This allows readers to depict the story to be darker
given that the word “sorcery” is usually understood to be more horror or invoking
harm while “magic arts” implies more fictional or doing tricks.
5.
Difference – The Acts (ESV) translations explains to the readers more about how
the Jews, specifically “itinerant Jewish exorcists” were performing false miracles
while the (NIV) translation only points out “some of the Jews”. This change of
words allows more understanding to readers such as myself, as it crosses out the
confusion of pointing out who the Seven Sons of Sceva in the story are rather than
Jews in general.
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BIBL 104
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying.
1.
Main characters: (List them)
i.
Paul
ii.
Seven Sons of Sceva (Jewish Chief Priest)
iii.
Evil Spirit
iv.
The Man possessed by the Evil Spirit
2.
Plot: (50-100 words)
i.
Paul was performing miracles for God, by healing illnesses and lifting evil or
demonic spirits. As the people have known about his work some Jews, in
particular Jewish High Priest or as they were famously called “The Seven
Sons of Sceva” went ahead and capitalized on this occasion presenting that
they were also called by God to do the same as what Paul is doing. They then
performed an exorcism to this man who was possessed by evil spirits which
the evil spirit one day responded back that he knew Jesus’s ways and have
heard of Paul’s work but did not know who they were. The wicked spirit
overpowered and maimed the Seven Sons of Sceva as soon as he realized they
were neither Paul nor Jesus. Fearing for their lives, the Jews and Greeks then
made the decision to mend their connection with God. Then, on their journey,
they burn scrolls and magic. Paul then continued on with his mission and
decided to head back to Jerusalem, then after Rome, and task his helpers
Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia while he remains in the province Asia.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
i.
Introduction:
Paul performed miracles in the name of God, while some
itinerant exorcists were doing exorcisms while falsely invoking the name of
the Lord.
ii.
Inciting Incident:
The Jewish High Priest or Seven Sons of Sceva was trying
to communicate to the evil spirit possessing this man by uttering the name of
Jesus.
iii.
Rising Action:
After what the
Jewish high priest had asked to the evil spirit.
The spirit then replied that they do not know them for they are not Jesus nor
Paul.
iv.
Climax:
As soon as the evil spirit recognized that the Seven Sons of Sceva
were not Paul or Jesus, he overpowers them and left them wounded.
v.
Falling Action:
The Jews and Greeks then decided to repair their relationship
with God as they were in fear. They then burn magic and scrolls along the
way.
vi.
Resolution:
The people leaned back on the word of the Lord and continued to
praise and follow it further on and the word of God spread all across the
region.
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BIBL 104
D. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation.
Remember to consult and review chapters 17 and 37 in
Everyday Bible Study
. This will
help you be more detailed in your answers to “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,”
and “how.” Please be detailed and specific.
1.
Who:
i.
Paul performing miracles through God
ii.
The Seven Sons of Sceva
Who acted upon themselves to perform the work of God without his
authority
iii.
The evil spirit and the man possessed
iv.
Jews and Greeks residing in Ephesus at that time
2.
What:
i.
Paul healing the illnesses of the sick and lifting away evil spirits from those
who were possessed.
ii.
The Jewish High Priest or Seven Sons of Sceva capitalizing on Paul and Gods
work by performing exorcisms
iii.
The evil spirit overpowering the Jewish priests as the spirit did not recognize
then given the he has heard from Paul and has seen the work of Jesus.
iv.
Jews and Greek in the area who used to believe in the magics acts burned their
books and scrolls in fear of God and his power.
v.
The word of God spreading all throughout the area as soon as they have heard
the news.
3.
Where:
i.
Ephesus: The Extraordinary Works of Paul in Ephesus. Where he was
performing miracles through Jesus’s name.
ii.
A house in the City of Ephesus where the exorcism occurred
4. When:
i.
This passage happened during Paul’s visit to Ephesus where he was
healing illnesses and lifting away evil spirits through miracles from the
power of God.
6.
Why:
i.
Why was the Jewish High Priest overpowered by the evil spirits?
The Jewish High Priest or the Seven Sons of Sceva was overpowered
due to the priest not presenting the ability that should be bestowed
upon God to overpower the demons or evil. The evil spirit
recognized that by asking who the priest was when he was not either
God or Paul. Thus, they evil spirit wreaked havoc and overpowering
them all for only Paul or Jesus had the power to lift them away.
ii.
Why were the Jews and Greeks in fear of God?
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BIBL 104
The Jews and Greeks were fearful of God because they had realized
that only the power of God through Paul can save them which can
lift away the evil spirits.
iii.
Why did the people who practiced magic arts burn their books and scrolls?
They did this to show God that they were faithful to him and not the
magic books and scrolls that they use to follow because they were
already in fear of what happened when the man possessed by evil
spirits attacked the high priest.
7.
How:
i.
How did Paul aid the people who were possessed by evil spirits?
Paul was acknowledged by God as an apostle, and God knew he
would utilize his gift for good.
The Jewish Exorcist’s attempted to gain acceptance as healers even
though God had not bestowed upon them that capacity. Instead of
God showing of strength he just continued on showing his love for
the people through Paul’s healings.
ii.
How did Erastus and Timothy reach Macedonia?
Paul decided to ventured back to Jerusalem after he heard that
people discarding the books and sorcery and reestablishing their
connection with God. Sooner after Jerusalem, Paul decided to head
towards Rome and further commanded Timothy and Erastus to head
to Macedonia. While they were there he moved and resided in the
province of Asia according to the scriptures.
iii.
How did the defeat of the Seven Sons of Sceva affect the Jewish people and
the Greeks?
Because of the demonic/evil endemic happening, Paul was given the
responsibility to uphold the power of God which by then reminded
the people how powerful God is. While he was healing illnesses and
lifting away evil spirits, the people felt more encouraged to lean on
God and saw pass the attempts of the priest to discourage the God’s
work.
Reference/s:
Holy bible: English standard version
. (2001). . Crossway Bibles.
The holy bible: New international version
. (2011). . Biblica.
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