Acts 19:17-20 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And this Acknowledgment of the divine authority of Jesus and Paul, made in the absence of both; or this fact, concerning the possessed man, thus prevailing against the sons of Sceva; was known to all the Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus And became, doubtless, the common subject of conversation; and fear fell on them all For in this instance they saw a striking proof of the malice of the devil, whom they served, and of the power of Christ, whom they opposed; and both were awful considerations. They saw that the name of Christ was not to be trifled with, or taken into their mouths rashly, nor his religion confounded with the pagan superstitions. Hence his name, by which his faithful servants cast out devils and cured diseases, without any resistance, was the more magnified For now it appeared to be a name above every name. And many Who had formerly been professors of unwarrantable arts, but who now believed Being strongly impressed by what had happened, and struck with the power of the evil spirit over the sons of Sceva; came To Paul, of their own accord; and confessed That they had attempted to cure diseased persons by charms and other magical practices; and showed their deeds The devices by which they had deceived the multitude; or made a public declaration of their unlawful practices. Many of them also, who used these curious arts Magical arts, to which that soft appellation was given by those that practised them, now firmly believing the gospel; brought their books In which the different forms of incantation for different diseases were prescribed, the method of making these incantations was showed, the herbs and other medicines to be used with these incantations were pointed out, and the seasons for using them were fixed. And burned them before all men Who were present; and A great many of them being judged of high value in that place; they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver If these be taken for Jewish shekels, and valued at three shillings each, (which are the principles of Dr. Benson's computation,) the sum will amount to seven thousand five hundred pounds sterling; or, setting it at two shillings and sixpence, to six thousand two hundred and fifty pounds. Nevertheless, the owners of them made a willing sacrifice of them to truth and piety; because the arts themselves being unlawful, it was not fit that the books which taught them should be in the possession of any person whatever. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed So remarkable was the triumph of the gospel over all considerations of honour or interest that could be opposed to it on this, or on any other occasion.