(Ac 19:19), magical arts; jugglery practised by the Ephesian conjurers. Ephesus was noted for its wizard and the "Ephesian spells;" i.e., charms or scraps of parchment written over with certain formula, which were worn as a safeguard against all manner of evils. The more important and powerful of these charms were written out in books which circulated among the exorcists, and were sold at a great price.

Ac 19:19. The Greek word signifies 'working round about:' it was with mystifying words and signs that the sorcerers deceived the people, and carried on their incantations. See DIVINATION.