The Imitators Who Got Exposed
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | November 11 2025 | Acts 19:13-16
KEY VERSE: “One day the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?’” (Acts 19:15, NIV)
MESSAGE:
Right after God worked extraordinary miracles through Paul, another story unfolded in Ephesus — one of empty imitation. Seven sons of Sceva, travelling exorcists, saw Paul’s power and tried to copy it. They attempted to cast out demons “in the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches.” But their words lacked relationship. They spoke of a Jesus they didn’t know.
The response from the demon was both chilling and revealing: “Jesus, I know, and Paul, I know — but who are you?” With that, the possessed man attacked and overpowered them. Their exposure was physical, but it revealed a deeper truth — spiritual authority cannot be borrowed.
This passage reminds us that faith cannot be faked. Power without relationship is empty. The sons of Sceva used the right name but the wrong heart. They were imitators, not followers. Paul, however, was known in both heaven and hell because he walked in true fellowship with Jesus.
Let’s not settle for second-hand faith or borrowed conviction. True authority comes from intimacy with Christ — knowing Him personally and being known by Him. When life’s spiritual battles come, only a genuine relationship with Jesus will stand.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do you know Jesus personally, or are you depending on what others say about Him? Does Jesus know you? Stop assuming — start seeking. Ask Him today to be your Lord and Saviour and begin walking in daily fellowship with Him. PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, come into my life and give me a fresh start. Help me to love You deeply and walk with You daily. Let my life reflect true relationships, not empty imitations. For Your dear name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: KNOW
The Greek word for 'Know' is ginōskō, which means “to know through experience or relationship.” It’s not merely head knowledge, but intimate, personal awareness born from interaction. In Acts 19:15, when the evil spirit said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know — but who are you?” it revealed two levels of recognition: divine authority and experiential relationship.
The demon knew Jesus as the sovereign Lord and recognised Paul as one who walked in that authority. But the sons of Sceva were strangers to both realms — they spoke of a Jesus they had never known.
Reflect on this:
True spiritual authority flows from knowing Jesus personally, not from borrowing His name secondhand. How well do you know Him?
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