Miracles, Exorcisms, Burning of Books of Magic. Peter's shadow cured the sick (Acts 5:15); Paul's minor articles of clothing do the same, according to the widespread belief of antiquity in the indirect communication of personal influence. The belief in possession is best known to us from the Gospels in Palestine; but Greek magical literature shows that it flourished vigorously in other countries also. A humorous story follows, about some wandering Jews who used the name of Jesus as an instrument of exorcism (cf. Acts 8:19).
Acts 19:13. I adjure you: i.e. to come out of him. Sceva must be intended as a Jewish high priest, but there is none of such a name.
Acts 19:16. both: should be all (see Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 80).
Acts 19:17. The name of the Lord Jesus is the power by which such things come to pass (Acts 3:6 *).
Acts 19:18. The deeds confessed might be such as we read of in magical papyri.
Acts 19:19. curious arts: a euphemism for magic (mg.). These would be books of formulæ for compelling the assistance of spiritual beings, or securing the affections of a beloved, or for inflicting pain and spiritual torment. Ephesian charms had a special reputation. 50, 000 pieces of silver: say £ 2000, but we do not know the rate at which such books were sold.