Sceva/ˈsiːvə/ (Ancient Greek:Σκευᾶς,romanized: Skeuas) was a Jew called a "chief priest" inActs 19:14, although whether he was a chief priest is disputed by some writers.[1] Although there was no high priest inJerusalem by this name, some scholars note that it was not uncommon for some members of the Zadokite clan (Sons of Zadok) to take on an unofficial high-priestly role, which may explain this moniker.[2] However, it is more likely that he was an itinerantexorcist based on the use of the Greek term (Ancient Greek:περιερχομένων,romanized: perierchomenōn) "going from place to place" used inActs 19:13 in relation to his so-called "sons".[3]
According to the book ofActs of the Apostles, he had seven sons who attempted to exorcise a demon from a man in the town ofEphesus by using the name ofJesus as an invocation. This practice is similar to the Jewish practice, originating in theTestament of Solomon, of invoking Angels to cast out demons.[3] Because of the emphasis on healing and spiritual authority in the ministry of Sceva, it may be accurate to think of him as aShaman figure for the Jewish communities in which he worked.[3]