Acts 19:10

To this period is to be referred the foundation of the Seven Churches of Asia, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Tyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea (Revelation 1:11), and of Colossæ, Hierapolis, Troas.

11, 12. God condescended to work miracles through these handkerchiefs, having regard to the genuine faith of those who thus used them, and not to their superstition. It is not said that St. Paul approved the practice.

13. The exorcism of these vagabond Jews was simply the uttering of magical formulae. They thought that the mere words 'in the name of Jesus' would produce the required effect.

15, 16. There are two historical difficulties in this narrative: (1) It seems strange that sons of so distinguished a person as a Jewish chief priest should be strolling exorcists. The reading of D, 'Sceva, a [heathen?] priest,' removes this difficulty. (2) Seven sons are mentioned in Acts 19:14, and only two in Acts 19:16 ('mastered both of them,' RV). It may be supposed that only two took part in this particular incident.

18, 19. The incident led to a reformation within the Church. Many converts had continued their magical practices after their baptism. They now came forward and publicly renounced them, proving their sincerity by burning their books of spells. Fifty thousand pieces of silver] 50,000 drachmas=£1,700, or, in actual purchasing power, much more.