Acts 19:12
So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
G5620
ὥστε
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 27
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
καὶ
So
G2532
καὶ
So
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
unto
G1909
ἐπὶ
unto
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
3 of 27
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιφέρεσθαι
were brought
G2018
ἐπιφέρεσθαι
were brought
Strong's:
G2018
Word #:
6 of 27
to bear upon (or further), i.e., adduce (personally or judicially (accuse, inflict)), superinduce
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 27
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
his
G846
αὐτῶν
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
σουδάρια
handkerchiefs
G4676
σουδάρια
handkerchiefs
Strong's:
G4676
Word #:
11 of 27
a sudarium (sweat-cloth), i.e., towel (for wiping the perspiration from the face, or binding the face of a corpse)
σιμικίνθια
aprons
G4612
σιμικίνθια
aprons
Strong's:
G4612
Word #:
13 of 27
a semicinctium or half-girding, i.e., narrow covering (apron)
καὶ
So
G2532
καὶ
So
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπαλλάσσεσθαι
departed
G525
ἀπαλλάσσεσθαι
departed
Strong's:
G525
Word #:
15 of 27
to change away, i.e., release, (reflexively) remove
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
16 of 27
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αὐτῶν
his
G846
αὐτῶν
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόσους
the diseases
G3554
νόσους
the diseases
Strong's:
G3554
Word #:
19 of 27
a malady (rarely figuratively, of moral disability)
τά
G3588
τά
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματα
spirits
G4151
πνεύματα
spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
22 of 27
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πονηρὰ
the evil
G4190
πονηρὰ
the evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
24 of 27
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
Cross References
Acts 5:15Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.Mark 16:17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Historical Context
This accommodation to Ephesian culture (where magical amulets and relics were common) showed God's power eclipsed pagan magic. The genuine miracles contrasted with the fraudulent magic prevalent in Ephesus.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes accommodate cultural contexts in displaying His power?
- What's the difference between biblical miracles and magical superstition?
- How should we understand apostolic miracles versus expectations for today?
Analysis & Commentary
'From his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.' These secondary relics (items touched by Paul) conveyed healing power. While unusual, this demonstrates God's sovereignty in using whatever means He chooses. However, this isn't normative - it was unique to apostolic ministry in a context saturated with magical practices.