Exorcisms & Failed Sorcery
Exorcisms & Failed Sorcery · c. AD 53–55, during Paul's third missionary journey
The Sons of Sceva
In Ephesus, seven sons of a Jewish chief priest tried to expel a demon by invoking the name of Jesus as a magic formula, without faith or the Spirit who alone gives that Name its power; the possessed man overpowered and stripped them, and the terrified city burned its books of magic. The episode revealed that Christ's name cannot be wielded as a spell.
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Exorcisms & Failed Sorcery · c. AD 34–36, shortly after the martyrdom of Stephen
Simon Magus
Simon, a sorcerer who had astonished Samaria with magic, believed and was baptized under Philip's preaching, but then offered Peter and John money to purchase the power of imparting the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. Peter rebuked him sharply, and the sorcerer's name became the root of the word 'simony,' the buying or selling of what belongs to God alone.
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