Definition: And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Acts 19:15. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling part of the story. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Paul is being attacked by an evil spirit. This is described as a frightening experience – he’s experiencing intense pain, confusion, and even seeming to be fighting against his own body. The evil spirit says, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you ?" This is the core of the verse. The spirit is claiming to recognize both Jesus and Paul! What it Means – It’s a Paradox: This is where it gets interesting. It's a paradox - something that seems contradictory at first glance. Here's how we can think about it: The Spirit is a Trickster: The spirit isn’t actually real . It’s a manifestation of evil, a demonic force trying to deceive and manipulate Paul. Paul is Being Fooled: The spirit is using Paul's own words against him – he’s projecting his own identity onto the entity. He's essentially saying, “I know you, because you are me!” Why it's Significant: This verse highlights a few important things about the power of evil: It can be deceptive: Evil spirits can trick people into believing false things – they can create illusions and manipulate our thoughts. It’s about identity: The spirit is trying to establish its own identity, which isn't based on truth or reality. It's a struggle for dominance. It shows the importance of faith and truth: Paul’s response – “Who are you ?” – demonstrates his unwavering belief in God and his refusal to be controlled by evil. He is asserting his independence from the spirit’s false claims. In short, it's a moment of intense struggle where a demonic force tries to deceive Paul into believing a lie. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story?