Bible Study Project Observation NPV 11062023
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BIBL 104
Name: Nathanael Victor-Smith
B
IBLE
S
TUDY
P
ROJECT
: O
BSERVATION
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
o
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 – According to both readings, Jewish priests are in charge of attempting
to drive out "evil spirits." Both accounts acknowledge that a work designed for Paul
was held accountable to the Jews, and that this led to a disastrous outcome.
2.
Similarity – Both translations refer to the Lord as God and acknowledge that Paul
worked miracles with the assistance of God.
3.
Difference – Significant word differences between the NIV and ESV. Acts 19:13
states, " Some of the Jews who went around driving evil spirits tried to invoke the
name of Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed." and “Then, some of
the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus whom
Paul proclaims.” (ESV). The NIV claims that only Jews were performing
exorcisms, whereas the ESV adds that Jesus declared only Paul to be a miracle
worker. This further clarifies how the demonic spirits are able to subjugate the
Jewish high priests.
4.
Difference - Acts 19:16 (NIV) “naked and bleeding” versus (ESV) “naked and
wounded.” The translation from the ESV never describes the wounds as internal or
exterior, or as bloody. This could lead some people to believe that the harm caused
by bad spirits was greater or less.
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BIBL 104
5.
Difference - Acts 19:19 (NIV) “practiced sorcery” versus (ESV) “practiced magic
arts.” By implication, sorcery is perceived as more sinister and malevolent than
magic arts. By denotation, magic arts refer to the performing of tricks or illusions,
whereas sorcery refers to dark magic.
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying.
1. Main characters: (List them) Paul, Jewish chief priests (Seven sons of Sceva), Timothy,
Erastus
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
Paul performs miracles for God by curing illnesses and diseases (as well as delivering
people from demonic spirits). Some Jews made the decision to assist Paul in what they believed
to be a divine ceremony. One day, as the Seven Sons of Sceva were performing an exorcism on
an unnamed person, the ghost responded. The demonic spirit claimed he was aware of Paul's
name and the deeds of Jesus, but he had no idea who these individuals were. The man with the
demonic spirit leaped at them, overwhelming everyone. Knowing this, the Greeks and Jews
abandoned their magic and scrolls out of dread for the Lord and God. Paul made the decision to
travel to Jerusalem, but first he stays in the province of Asia for a while, sending his assistants
Timothy and Erastus.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
Introduction- Through the power of God, Paul works miracles, and Jewish priests exorcise
demonic spirits.
Inciting Incident- Through an unidentified person who was "possessed" by this wicked spirit, the
seven sons of Sceva are able to communicate with one spirit in particular.
Rising Action- The spirit responds to the Jewish priests by claiming they do not look familiar and
that they do not see Paul or Jesus.
Climax- The spirit leaps on the priests and overwhelms them because of the terrible energy
within him. They walk away hurt.
Falling action- Greeks and Jews are paralyzed with terror. Many confess and destroy their magic
and scrolls, valued at 50,000 drachmas.
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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:
Acts' author, Luke
Paul, the apostle; major figure in Acts 19:11–22; healer
The seven sons of Sceva, the Jewish Chief Priests
The antagonist Evil Spirit
Timothy and Erastus are Paul's aids at the end of the story as travelers.
The evil spirit mentions Jesus Christ as the ultimate healer next to Paul.
God is referenced in the first sentence as the source of Paul's capacity to assist others.
The protagonist and ultimate healer, who goes unmentioned as the reason behind the
book's writing.
(Hindson & Towns, 2017).
2.
What:
God is using Paul to perform miracles, and the Jewish priests are attempting to emulate him.
The seven sons of Sceva, who were some of the Jewish priests at the time and a well-
known exorcist in the tale, are attacked by the demonic spirits because they know they are
weaker than Jesus or Paul.
Upon learning that the priests returned from their encounters with evil spirits nude and
injured, many opt to give up on magic and scrolls out of fear for God.
Though Paul knows he must go back to Rome, he stays in an Asian province for a little
while longer and sends Timothy and Erastus to be his aides.
3. Where: Rome was the setting. The Ephesian region – Paul spends a significant amount
of the narrative in the Asia province. With references to Greeks and Jews, Jerusalem, Macedonia,
Achaia, and Greece
4. When: (During Paul's third missionary voyage) The turning point occurs while Paul is
working miracles, and the Greek people are divided on religion.
5. Why:
Why do Greeks and Jews start to fear God?
When the Jews and Greeks discover the might of the demonic spirits and the extent of God's
power granted to Paul, they begin to dread God.
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BIBL 104
Why are individuals being healed of bad spirits at this time?
Similar to how Jesus Christ healed the sick and blind, people are currently being healed as a
result of the miracles Paul is performing via God. In this instance, these malevolent spirits are
"possessed" by the sickness.
Why do the demonic spirits overwhelm the Seven Sons of Sceva?
When the evil spirits understand the Seven Sons of Sceva have not been given the ability by God
to be strong and formidable when battling the spirits, they overwhelm them. Before the spirit
overpowers the priests, it asks them where Paul and Jesus are.
6. How:
How did Paul assist others?
Paul served others because God had given him the capacity to do so. God acknowledged Paul as
an apostle and was certain that he would not use his position of authority for personal gain. In
this instance, God never given the priests the ability to cure; instead, they were attempting to
gain recognition as such.
Following the defeat of the Seven Sons of Sceva, how did the Greeks and Jews feel?
Instead of being deterred by God, the people started to fear him because, like the demonic spirits,
they had witnessed the marvels that Jesus and Paul had done. They were aware of God's power
and witnessed the priests' attempt to wield it.
How did Erastus and Timothy get to Macedonia?
Paul eventually decides he wants to live in Jerusalem and visit Rome after learning of the priests
and people's decision to restore their relationship with God and discard the scrolls and sorcery.
He dispatches his assistants, Timothy, and Erastus, and stays in Asia Province for a bit longer as
they tour Macedonia.
Hindson, E. E., & Towns, E. L. (2017).
Illustrated bible survey: An introduction
. B & H
Academic.
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