Note 1 at Acts 19:13: These were Jews that were itinerants who used incantations to effect deliverances 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 affect the deliverance. There is no doubt that men through out 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 anyone 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 90 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. 28:19; Co. 2:15; Heb. 2:14).

Note 2 at Acts 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" (Acts 3:16) is what brings results. If the person using the name of Jesus does not have faith in the name of Jesus (see note 89 at Jn. 16:24, p. 501), then this is an example of the results they should expect.