Practicing Magic (περίεργα πραξάντων )
The term translated as “magic” in Acts 19:19 is derived from περίεργος (períergos), which means “meddlesome” of “busybody.” It is the practicing of engaging in matters that do not properly concern oneself, thereby conveying the idea of undue curiosity or misdirected attention.
In 1 Timothy 5:13, περίεργος (períergos) is translated as “busybody.” It describes a tactic used by Satan to persuade individuals to involve themselves in matters that do not concern them—to meddle in another person’s affairs without just cause.
In Acts 19:19, the term is associated with the practice of magic because it involves meddling with the dark arts—engaging in spiritual matters that do not rightly concern them.
Περίεργος (períergos) is not synonymous with sorcery. Sorcery (μαγεία) refers to the use of incantations and rituals designed to influence or control through superstition. Religious superstitious awe, expressed by φαρμακεία (pharmakeía), is derived from φάρμακον (phármakon), which denotes the use of potions and spells in idolatrous practices. This term is used in religious contexts and conveys the idea of superstitious acts associated with being in proximity to a person or place. It is often connected to false prophets or deceptive spiritual leaders, whose influence is rooted in misleading, superstitiously charged religous practices.
In Acts 19:19, both Jewish and Gentile believers in the gospel of the Christ burned their books containing teachings on meddling in dark spiritual matters. This act was a response to the incident involving the demon-possessed man who overpowered and stripped the seven sons of Sceva when they attempted to invoke the name of Jesus in an exorcism (Acts 19:13–16).
Demons are spiritual beings and may therefore appear to be controlled through rational means; however, humans have no business meddling in demonic matters, for these are affairs with which we have no rightful involvement. Acts 19:19 refutes many traditions and tales that claim exorcisms are performed through the use of crosses or by merely invoking the name of Jesus. As for Christians, we are not instructed to meddle in, or even pursue knowledge of, the deep things of Satan (Revelation 2:24). Our defense against demonic forces is the armor of God, which enables us to stand firm—not to meddle (Ephesians 6:10–18).