Paul's miracles in Ephesus were extraordinary. The English word 'extra-ordinary' sums up the meaning of the original, and is important. These 'works of power' were not routine or a normal part of ministry, but were the Lord's way of communicating to the people of Ephesus, at that time, that Paul was an apostle who had the personal authorisation of Jesus; and that Jesus has power over everything (John 13:3). These miracles were not a normal part of Paul's ministry: normality was preaching the gospel and being persecuted for telling the truth (Acts 13:47-52).

There was no doubt that evil spirits existed. Jesus had dealt with them (Matthew 8:16) and so had Paul (Acts 16:16-18). The religious exorcists from the synagogue were irritated that they did not have the same effective authority which Paul displayed. So they tried to confront demons by commanding them to come out of people in the Name of Jesus. But they had no authority from Jesus. They did not even know Him or want to submit to His teaching (Acts 19:8-9). Any yet they thought that a religious formula would be effective, and their reputation as exorcists would be restored.

The evil spirts knew that the seven sons of the chief priest had no right to use the Name of Jesus, because they did not belong to Him, nor received any commission to speak in His Name. The next time they tried, the result was dramatic. The demonised man was so strong that he overpowered the seven brothers, forcing them to run out of the house without their robes, covered in bruises and bleeding. The Lord allowed this to demonstrate that religious words cannot defeat evil. But people who know Jesus and are filled with His Holy Spirit, have His authority to break through the darkness - to testify that Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12).

There is real power in the Name of Jesus; but it is only to glorify Him and deal with the darkness of evil, to release all who are oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38). Jesus' power is not a commodity to glorify human beings so that they can make a name for themselves and their 'power ministry'. That temptation is a dangerous illusion which will divert the church and its ministers from its real business of proclaiming Christ, and bringing people to accept His gracious authority (1 Peter 3:22). Some even use miracles to prove their authenticity, but they are demonically motivated and not true servants of the gospel (Matthew 24:24). The Lord will deal with them on the final day (Matthew 7:22-23). It is a seriously wicked matter to use the Name of Jesus for your own glory. Consider this urgently, and repent, if in any way this is you.