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 “Then
certain of the vagabond Jews exorcists, took upon them to call
over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus,
saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there
were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew and chief of the priests,
which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I
know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the
evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed
against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and
wounded.” (Acts 19: 13-16)
If
the exorcist of our day, who attach the name of Jesus to their
unauthorized practices, were to receive like treatment — wow!
Current TV “healing” programs would really get a high
rating, as millions tuned in to watch the “healer” get his
due.
Our
text is an example of someone taking the Lord’s name in vain
— using it in an empty and vain sense, although there is no
indication of what we might call “cursing.” These seven sons
of Sceva simply acted upon their own initiative, sought to do
their own “thing,” but attached to it the name of Jesus.
Apparently the power of that name had gained quite a reputation
(Acts 4: 7-12) among the people, as Paul went about “confirming
the word with signs following.” (Mk. 16:20) And, as today, the
Sceva boys plucked the ”healing” aspect of Paul’s work,
got the “words” right, but completely missed the point in it
all. “Jesus” was not just a formula with Paul. There can be
no legitimate separation of that name from the revealed plan of
salvation in Him.
When
Philip preached “Christ” he taught
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people to be subject to the authority
of Christ, to respect Him as the source of power and salvation
in this dispensation, and to be baptized into Christ. (Acts 8:5,
12) These are specifics — a far cry from the highly
generalized “do good” and “love” that has
been fostered upon people today as “Jesus doctrine.” We have
no right to offer less nor more “in Jesus’ name” that He
Himself offered, or authorized offered. To do so is to use His
name in vain.
Jesus
said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of
my Father which is in heaven.” To those who expect to profit
in judgement through their own brand of service, Jesus has said,
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils?
and in thy name done many wonderful works? And the will I
profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that
work iniquity.” (Matt. 7:21-23)
“Iniquity”
is translated from the Greek “anomian” or lawlessness.
It refers to those who have no respect for authority, or laws of
God. One may never speak profanity, and yet act profanely, and
compound the error by using God’s name as though He approved
of the unauthorized action. It is presumptuous sin to assign God
that which did not come from Him. (Deut. 18:20, etc.)
It
is no light thing to use and live up to the name of Jesus
Christ.
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