19:13-16 Why could these exorcists not cast the demons out of this man even though they used Jesus' name?
19:13-16 Why could these exorcists not cast the demons out of this man even though they used Jesus' name?
Because Jesus only delegated the authority to use His name to Christians (CP Mt 10:8; Mk 16:17; Jn 14:12).
Believers have unlimited authority over demons using Jesus' name, but even then it is more important that their names are written in the Book of Life than to have demons subject to them (CP Lu 10:17-20). The demon-possessed man in Ac 19:13-16 knew the sons of Sceva were not believers exercising their authority in Jesus, and after challenging their authority he attacked them and beat them up. He could not do that to even one believer acting on the authority of Jesus (CP 1Jn 4:4).
There is an interesting aftermath to Ac 19:13-16 which needs to be highlighted here (CP V17-20). These are Christians referred to here. They were still involved in sorcery and black magic, even though they had been saved. It was only after they heard what happened to the sons of Sceva they realized that the name of Jesus could not be used for magic purposes, and the fear of God came upon them.
They confessed to their evil deeds, and those who had them, burnt all their books on magic. We should note this carefully because it is for our admonition also, as many contemporary Christians are still involved in these forbidden practices (CP Lev 19:26; De 18:10; 2Ki 21:1-2, 6; Isa 47:1, 13; Jer 10:1-2).
These practices, forbidden in those scriptures, still go on today and sadly, many Christians are still involved in them. They are just called by other names: astrology, signs of the zodiac, horoscopes, fortune telling, etc. Christians who continue to be involved in them will forfeit their place in God's eternal kingdom. This warning also applies to those who have not yet destroyed the idols they worshipped before becoming Christians.
They must be destroyed too, or those Christians will also forfeit their place in God's eternal kingdom. Linked with the command in scripture not to worship idols, was also the command to destroy them (CP Ex 23:24; 34:12-13; De 7:4-6, 25-26; 12:1-3).
See also author's studies Christians - Flee from Idolatry and Christian - Beware of Failing God's Grace and Forfeiting your Salvation in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 2).