Note 1 at Ac 19:13: These were Jewish itinerants who used incantations to effect deliverance for people who were demon possessed. The first-century historian Josephus wrote of an exorcism that he witnessed in the presence of Vespasian and many of his soldiers. The exorcist supposedly followed a ritual passed down from King Solomon to effect the deliverance (The Antiquities of the Jews, Book 8, Chapter 2, Section 5). There is no doubt that people throughout all history have tried to resist demonic spirits, but as this example proves, only Jesus and those who have received His life are successful.

For people to relegate demonic spirits to the realm of superstition, they would have to do irreparable damage to their belief in the Word of God. The Gospels alone contain over eighty references to the devil or devils (demons). The Apostle Paul said, when writing to these people in Ephesus, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Eph 6:12). The devil and demons do exist, but all believers in Jesus share in His total victory over them (Mt 28:18-19, Col 2:15, and Heb 2:14).

Note 2 at Ac 19:13: The name of Jesus is not magic. It does not work like a charm. As Peter said, "his name through faith in his name" (Ac 3:16) is what brings results. If the people using the name of Jesus do not have faith in the name of Jesus (see note 89 at Joh 16:24), then this is an example of the results they should expect.