Does the Devil Know Your Name? Acts 19:15 Devotional

In this Acts 19:15 Devotional, we’ll explore three crucial questions about your identity in Jesus Christ and uncover the deep meaning behind this dramatic moment in the book of Acts. The Word of God reminds us that even the enemy recognizes those who truly belong to the Savior. As you read, you’ll discover how to live with bold faith, walk in the spiritual authority given through Christ, and experience the strength of God’s hand guiding, protecting, and empowering the life of the believer each day.

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Have you ever wondered… does the devil know your name?

If you’re a Christian, the simple answer is yes. But how is that possible? To understand this powerful truth, we need to look back at a fascinating story in the book of Acts involving the sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, and several men who claimed spiritual authority they didn’t truly possess.

These sons of a high priest traveled from place to place trying to cast out unclean spirits using the name of Jesus, without actually knowing Him. They thought they could harness His power the same way the Apostle Paul did, by repeating words they’d heard true believers use. But as we’ll soon see, their empty imitation teaches us an unforgettable lesson about the danger of spiritual pretense and the importance of having genuine faith.

Let’s look at what really happened and uncover the deeper meaning of Acts 19:15 together.

What is the Meaning of Acts 19:15?

But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.”                      

And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”

Acts 19:13;15

This moment in Scripture is both startling and deeply revealing. The possessed man spoke with the voice of an unclean spirit, recognizing the true spiritual authority of Jesus and those who genuinely followed Him. The name of Jesus Christ carries real power, but only for those who belong to Him through faith.

The seven sons of Sceva tried to use Jesus’ name like a magic formula, but they didn’t have a relationship with the One behind it. They had knowledge without submission, words without faith, and imitation without understanding. The demon’s question, “Who are you?” exposed the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him.

This passage teaches us that the enemy recognizes real authority. He knows who walks in the power of Christ and who only claims it in name. And when our lives are rooted in Jesus, the same authority that silenced demons in the early church is alive in us today through the Holy Spirit.

The Devil and His Demons Are Real

The devil may seem like a strange topic for us to study. In our society, you just don’t talk about Satan and his demons, unless you want people to point at you and call you crazy.

That being said, the devil and his demons are very real, and they’re out to take down Christians any way they can. This story in Acts gives us a sobering look at how the spiritual realm operates and reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against unseen forces of darkness.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

For Christians, the meaning of this passage of Scripture plays an extraordinary role in our walk of faith. The evil spirit inside the possessed man recognized the name of Jesus Christ as having ultimate spiritual authority, even when spoken by unbelievers. But it also recognized that those using it had no true power because they didn’t have a relationship with Jesus.

The story of the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19 reminds us that spiritual authority can’t be copied or claimed by association. It only comes through a personal relationship with Jesus, the One who holds all power in heaven and on earth.

And the words spoken by the evil spirit are both startling and revealing. They show that even demons have a recognition of authority. They know exactly who belongs to Jesus and who doesn’t. And this truth leads us to three very important conclusions about faith, power, and our identity in Christ.

Three Lessons from Acts 19:15

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1. Jesus is Recognized by the Enemy

First, the demon says he recognizes Jesus.

This is a powerful reminder of the authority of Jesus over all things—both seen and unseen. Satan and his demons were once angels who had direct access to God before their rebellion. Because of that, they know exactly who Jesus is. They have witnessed His divine nature, His power, and the truth of His ministry firsthand.

So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 12:9 NKJV

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There’s no debate in the spiritual realm about the identity of Christ. The forces of darkness fully understand that Jesus is the Son of God, the divine Master who holds absolute dominion. They recognize the unmatched power of God working through Him, even if they refuse to submit to it.

This truth should strengthen our faith as believers. The same authority that demons fear is the authority that protects, guides, and empowers us through Jesus’ name.

2. The Apostle Paul is Known for His Bold Faith

Second, the demon knows about Paul.

Paul was on fire for Jesus! Everywhere he went, he was preaching the gospel and winning people to the kingdom of God. The devil and his demons were very aware of this because Paul’s ministry was shaking the spiritual realm and advancing the work of the early church.

If we back up a bit in Acts 19, we can see exactly what Paul was doing:

And God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.

Acts 19:11–12

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As Paul was traveling through Ephesus, God allowed him to perform miracles and cast out evil spirits because of his faith in the Lord Jesus. The same power that healed various diseases and freed people from unclean spirits testified that Paul was a true servant of Christ, walking in the strength of the Holy Spirit.

When we think of the city of Ephesus, we usually picture the inspiring book of Ephesians written by the Apostle Paul. But during Biblical times, Ephesus was known as a place of idol worship and magical arts, the Las Vegas of the ancient world. Sorcerers, magicians, and false exorcists filled the streets, using charms and magical incantations in hopes of controlling unseen forces.

Yet Paul stood apart. He wasn’t performing tricks… he was proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ with divine authority. His life reflected the power of the Risen Savior, and even the disciples of Jesus who followed after him saw how God’s hand worked through Paul in mighty ways.

When the people of Ephesus witnessed these miracles done in the name of Jesus, word spread quickly. Some men, the exorcists mentioned in verse 13, decided they would try to do the same thing for their own gain, most likely to make money. But they had a big problem… they didn’t know Jesus. So, they couldn’t perform the same miracles because they lacked the relationship and faith that gave Paul his authority. They didn’t understand that it was God and the name of Jesus that had the power, not Paul.

3. Christians Are Known By the Enemy

Third, the evil spirit asks, “Who are you?” This is the part I’d like us to focus on because it pertains to us, too. These men didn’t have a good answer ready for the evil spirit, but as Christians, we do! We know Jesus! That’s who we are!

When we have a personal relationship with Christ, our identity is sealed in Him. We’re no longer defined by our past but by His grace and power. The sons of Sceva only knew about Jesus, but true believers walk in His authority because His Spirit lives within us.

So, back to the question, “Does the devil know your name?” I’m confident that he knows mine! He loves to come around and torment me with my past mistakes. He likes to put doubt in my mind and tell me that I’m no good. And he likes to distract me from the things God has for me to do.

Growing up, I was afraid of Satan. Isn’t that what we’re taught? Satan is the bad guy, and we’re supposed to fear him. But over the years, I’ve developed a new outlook.

I think Satan should fear me! Like Paul, I’m on fire for Jesus, and I hope you are too! My goal in life is to lift the name of Jesus high so that everyone will know Him as their Savior.

That might get me brownie points in heaven, but it also puts a target on my back with Satan and his demons. But that’s okay with me because no matter what Satan does, I will always belong to Jesus. I know that I am forgiven for the things I’ve done wrong, and I will be with Jesus in heaven someday.

Because here’s the truth…  Once we’re in Christ, our identity changes completely.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

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That means your name is written in heaven!

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.
Luke 10:20 NKJV

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So, yes, the devil might know your name, but more importantly, Jesus does too! And when your name is written in His Book of Life, you walk in the power of the Spirit, a true believer living in the victory of new life in Christ Jesus.

Read More:

• Let these Spiritual Warfare Scriptures inspire you!

• Discover How to Resist the Devil in this Devotional!

• These Bible Verses about Hell are Scary!

Satan the Accuser vs. Jesus the Advocate

Let’s be clear, Satan is actively seeking to destroy us. His goal is to weaken our faith and pull our attention away from God’s truth, but the Bible reminds us to stay alert and hold fast to the strength we have in Christ.

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Be alert and of sober mind. Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV  

​If he can’t destroy us, then he’ll try to cause us to become ineffective Christians. As long as we don’t tell other people about Jesus or do the good works of the church, Satan will leave us alone. But as soon as we decide that we are going to live for Jesus one hundred percent, you can bet that he will know our name.

Because here’s the thing, there’s another word for the devil we should address… accuser.

Satan the Accuser has many tricks up his sleeve, and he will use every one of them to try to hurt us. He knows exactly which buttons to push. For some of us, it’s doubt, or illness, or reminding us of our past failures and sins. For others, like myself, it’s distraction. No matter which trick he pulls, you can always count on Satan to knock you down and kick you in the teeth when you least expect it. That’s what he does best, and he relishes in seeing Christians suffer.

But the Word of the Lord Jesus gives us strength to stand firm. The Holy Ghost empowers us to overcome temptation and resist the enemy’s lies. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we’re equipped to face every spiritual attack with confidence and peace, knowing that God’s power is far greater than the spiritual powers of darkness that try to come against us.

While the devil is our accuser, Jesus is our advocate. He’s on our side and fighting our battles every day. He’s greater than any enemy we face. And Satan and his demons are no match for Jesus. He is already victorious over the powers of darkness! And because we’re saved, we share in that victory.

As believers, we don’t need to fear the devil or listen to his accusations, because Jesus has already defeated him. There’s nothing that Satan can do to us that will ever change the fact that we belong to Jesus, and he knows it.

How to Live So the Devil Knows Your Name

Christians are called to be outspoken about our faith in Jesus Christ. If we speak up and show up for Jesus, the world will hate us just as they hated Him. And the devil will hate us, too.

But really, what does it matter if someone as small and insignificant as Satan hates us? Jesus is the Son of God, our Redeemer, and the Savior of the world.

The gospel message calls every believer to live boldly for Christ. As servants of God, our purpose is to share His truth and walk in His strength. When we do that, our lives become a living testimony of faith, courage, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit at work within us.

At this point, you may be asking… does the devil know my name?

If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the answer is yes! But you don’t need to be scared of the devil or his demons. They’re powerless before the authority of Jesus. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can easily control them with one simple word… the name of Jesus!

Living faithfully and doing the good work God has called you to do is what makes your life shine in the spiritual realm. When your life as a believer reflects the light of Christ, darkness has no choice but to tremble and flee.

Here are a few simple ways to live so the devil knows your name…

• Stay rooted in God’s Word. Let Scripture guide your thoughts and decisions so you can stand strong when temptation comes.

• Pray with purpose. Daily prayer keeps you connected to God’s power and reminds the enemy Who’s really in charge.

• Share your faith boldly. Don’t be afraid to tell others about what Jesus has done in your life. Your testimony is powerful.

• Walk in obedience. Even small acts of faithfulness have eternal impact and show the world (and the enemy) that your heart belongs to God.

• Trust God in trials. Every time you choose faith over fear, you declare victory through the name of Jesus.

When we live this way, we don’t just say we belong to Christ — we prove it through our actions, words, and unwavering faith.

Remind Satan of His Future

Satan cowers in fear and hides at the name of Jesus, the name above all names. So when Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future. You know, that whole “lake of fire” thing, where the devil, his demons, and everything they’ve done will be burned to a crisp.

The Lord God Himself has already declared victory over evil. From the Old Testament to Revelation, Scripture shows us that Satan’s defeat was guaranteed from the beginning. In Revelation 20, we’re reminded that all the terrible things the enemy has caused will one day come to an end.

And the devil who deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Revelation 20:10 NKJV

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The devil’s end is certain, but our eternity with Christ is secure. So stand firm, and be confident in the power of Jesus’ name, knowing that no weapon formed against you will prevail.

God’s Hand in Your Identity

Even when we face spiritual warfare, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s hand protects us. He leads us, strengthens us, and keeps us safe under His mighty power.

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

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There’s so much peace in knowing we’re not fighting alone. The power of the Holy Spirit surrounds us, giving us courage when fear tries to sneak in. The work of the Holy Spirit keeps us grounded in truth, reminding us that our strength comes from the Lord, not from anything we can do on our own.

When we hold tight to God’s Word, faith takes root and grows stronger each day. The strength of the Lord is what carries us through the hardest battles and helps us stand firm when the enemy comes knocking.

So, even when the attacks come hard and heavy, remember that God’s hand is still strengthening you. And when you trust in Him, the devil might know your name, but he also knows you belong to the Almighty God who holds you safe and secure in the palm of His hand.

Prayer for Courage and Identity in Christ

When life’s battles feel too heavy, prayer reminds us who we belong to. The enemy might know our name, but it’s our Heavenly Father who calls us by name with love and purpose. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we find courage, peace, and the confidence to walk in our spiritual authority as children of God. Every day is a chance to do good work for His kingdom and live boldly for Christ Jesus, the One who gives us strength and holds us close when the fight feels fierce.

Here’s a short prayer to help you start your own conversation with God. It will help you find the courage to stand strong and remember who you are in Christ.

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me by name and giving me victory through Jesus.
Help me to walk in the authority of Your Word and not fear the enemy’s attacks.
Fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit and remind me that my strength comes from You alone.
Let every good work I do reflect Your glory and point others to Christ Jesus, my Savior and Redeemer.
Remind me that my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and that no matter what schemes the devil uses against me,

I’m secure in Your righteous right hand.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Through prayer, we keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting that when we speak His name in faith, fear fades away and His perfect peace fills our hearts. Each time we pray, we reclaim our courage, purpose, and identity as God’s beloved children. And we can stand firm and confident, knowing that our true identity is forever safe in Him.

Your True Identity

Does the devil know your name? If you belong to Jesus Christ, he certainly does. But instead of being afraid, take that as confirmation that you’re living boldly for the Savior who knows your name, too.

In this Acts Devotional, we’ve explored how the Holy Ghost empowers us to live in victory every day, even when spiritual forces work against us. Through the power of God, we have authority over the enemy and the freedom to walk in new life as His redeemed children. What once felt like a divine mystery, standing strong in the face of evil, now becomes clear when we understand who we are in Christ.

When you walk in faith, remember that your identity is secure in the hands of your Savior. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you, filling your heart with strength, courage, and unshakable peace. You belong to the One who has already won the battle.

So, what would I say if I were asked the question, Does the devil know your name today? My answer would simply be this… “I’m the girl who knows Jesus by heart, and I’m the girl He died for.” That truth alone is enough to send the devil and all his demons running scared.

What would your answer be? Let me know in the comments below.

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