The Preaching forbidden in Asia (Acts 16:6). The size of this file is 8.8 megabytes. Paul refused to leave because he was mistreated as a Roman citizen. His captors smashed four of his vertebrae and either cut or burned 18 holes in his body, but they could not defeat him. All things? i. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. a. RV 'And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having See 2 Kings xxviii; Isaias viii. masters much gain by soothsaying: The world should see (or hear) our joy in the Lord from the dungeon and ask, Whats with these people, anyway? Then we tell them. i. Luke was a Gentile, and Timothy was only half Jewish. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Character of God, Faith, Suffering, Trials, Persecution, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes: The same jailer who had punished them now cared for Paul and Silas, caring for their wounds and he set food before them. We need to keep in mind that Paul and Silas did not know the end of this story when they began singing at midnight in the dungeon. her supernatural abilities. And now do they put us out secretly? If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Non-citizens had no civil rights, and were subject to the whims of both the multitude and the magistrates. i. a. There As John Piper rightly states, God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. DAY 6 - ASK FOR INSIGHT READ THE PASSAGE Think back through what you have learned each day this week. The Key teachings of Jesus Christ are focused on Faith and Love. But Paul wrote Second Corinthians to defend his character and his apostolic ministry. (16-40). She followed Paul and Silas saying, "These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation." b. When they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them: Only after this did they agree to go. Just because God is the omnipotent Creator does not mean that He will spare you from intense trials. The article, the jailor in Acts 16:31-40, commenting on the various characteristics of repentance he possessed or displayed. view of the recent decision of the council. Click on the different category headings to find out more. In the Roman Empire there were two very different laws: one for citizens of the Roman Empire, and one for those who were not citizens. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. Now when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them to the marketplace to face the rulers." Paul cried, "Do thyself no harm: for we are all here." A SPIRIT OF DIVINATION CAST OUT i. This verse must refer to a different occ _aor. apostles went towards the forementioned place of prayer,. Commentary on Acts 16:35-40 (Read Acts 16:35-40) Paul, though willing to suffer for the cause of Christ, and without any desire to avenge himself, did not choose to depart under the charge of having deserved wrongful punishment, and therefore required to be dismissed in an honourable manner. certain maid having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A spirit pretending to divination, to tell The demon knew who spiritum This he does not yet do, speaking racially. real possession, and that St. Paul himself considered it in th AT PHILLIPPI. First, Paul was concerned for justice for all people, and what these magistrates had done was grossly unjust. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation. The demon-possessed slave girl preached for Paul, giving a demonic testimony to their divine credentials and their message. We Americans have a thing about standing up for our rights. ⤓(4) Acts 16:16 to 28:31 (pdf). Are we out of the will of God? Being in the will of God is not a guarantee of protection from trials. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, Do yourself no harm, for we are all here. Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. professed to divine, that is to reveal things beyond the reach of In Pauls mind, he wanted to reach a few cities in his region. Compare Mark 3:12; Luke 4:34-35. a. www.simplybible.com Copyright Ron Graham 2012, "As we were going to prayer, it happened that a certain slave girl met us. (13-15) The conversion of Lydia. But those vague charges were enough, because both the multitude and the magistrates were biased against Paul and Silas. Studying Acts 16 11-15, 40. There is perhaps no example of this more remarkable than that which iv. The greatest help we can bring anyone is the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. ii. This commentary on Acts 16 treats the missionary journey of Paul and SIlas through Asia Minor to Philippi, where they were imprisoned. Our lives back up the reality of the message. , . "When it was day, the magistrates sent the police with this message: Release those men! The jailer reported these words to Paul: The magistrates have sent a message for your release; therefore come out now, and go in peace. But Paul replied with this message for the magistrates: They have flogged us publicly, without a trial, men who are Romans, and have cast us into prison. 16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. The late Romanian pastor, Richard Wurmbrand, spent 14 years in prison for preaching the gospel, three in solitary confinement in a dark cell. That they sailed straight for Samothrace is quite revealing, because this is a nautical expression that means the wind was at their backs. ACTS 16 COMMENTARY. The words, literally, are as in the margin, a spirit of Python, or, as Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Acts 16:16-34. There was certainly nothing wrong with Pauls desire to preach the word in Asia; but it wasnt Gods timing, so this was forbidden by the Holy Spirit. O, but he did! He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. We do not know firsthand the true meaning of the word persecution. Perhaps some of you may have felt ostracized at work or have been passed over for a promotion because you are a Christian. i. Now we see another reason why they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. _possessed with a spirit of divination_ Greek, Strong churches will naturally increase in number daily, without relying on man-centered and manipulative methods. The jailer rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God. Sailing from Troas: Paul and his missionary team (now including Luke) had to sail across the Agean Sea, from the continent of Asia to the continent of Europe. He knew that it was easier for the gospel to spread from these cities than to these cities. So Paul and Silas went out of the prison, and entered into Lydias house to see and encourage the brethren; then Paul and Silas departed." Better, perhaps, _to the oratory,_ or _place a. ventriloquist (Ramsay). going one way, and then anoth MINISTRY IN PHILIPPI FROM THE HOUSE OF LYDIA (16:12B-40). This should be rendered as in above (Acts 16:6) they received a GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE _for _of a certain woman which was a Jewess, We remember at the end of our study last week there arose a contention b. abs._ they were (James 2:19). Acts 16:6-10 Phrygia, Bithynia, Mysia. Because God said no to Paul these two times, we have a gospel and a Book of Acts written by Doctor Luke. some MSS. Paul and Silas would not be hurried out of town until they had brought their work there to a conclusion. These stocks had more than two holes for legs, which could thus be forced apart in a such a way as to cause the utmost discomfort and cramping pain. (Bruce), iii. He sang because prison did not matter (The Westminster Pulpit [Baker], 9:314-315). i. Jewish legal tradition gave a maximum number of blows that could be delivered when beating a person, but the Romans had no such limit. He drew his sword and was about to kill himself, assuming that the prisoners had escaped. This was as dramatic as it sounds. Full-Time. Spirit of divination [ ]. Let them come themselves and release us. " (Acts 16:35-37). Their singing was not based on their knowledge of a happy outcome. They were singing because their hearts were full of praise toward God and the joy of His salvation. Paul's Macedonian vision. gain by soothsaying: If our rights are violated, we dont take it sitting down. a. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy. Timotheus (Acts 16:1)._ And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews in that region: Paul had Timothy circumcised, not for the sake of his salvation (Paul would never do so) but so there would be less to hinder ministry among the Jews. First, he did the work of strengthening the churches through the regions of Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15:40-41). ACTS 16:35-40. As we went to prayer , Into the proseucha: Acts 16:13, and Luke 6:12.The article, , is added here by ABCE, several others, Origen and Theophylact: thus makes the place more emphatic, and seems to determine the above meaning of to be right-not the act of prayer or praying to God, but the place, the . And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Under Roman law and custom, guards who allowed their prisoners to escape received the penalty of their escaped prisoners. He fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. An earthquake opened the prison doors and caused all the shackles to fall off. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. By making these officials realize that they had committed a serious offense against Roman citizens, Paul insured that they would not trouble the Christians in Philippi. Lit., a Have students review Acts 16:1-5 and look for answers to the following: . Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. He asked them to say how they would speak to a man injured in battle, who had three minutes to live, how to be saved and come to peace with God. Paul asks Timothy to come with him on their journey, preaching the gospel in Asia Minor. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. Chuck Smith Bible Commentary - Acts 2:1-47. Luke relates this history,plainly implies that he considered it as a d. She begged us, saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay. Immediately, Lydia set about doing good. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.. as we were going to prayer, there met us a certain female serv And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed Acts 16:11-15 Samothrace, Neapolis, Philippi. What does Acts 16:16-40 mean? Peter echoes this: But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation (1 Pet. her son, had embraced the faith. 2. The spirit of Christ is to forgive those who sin against us, while at the same time holding them accountable to change their behavior. This was a strong, godly man, leading a strong, godly team. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who . See on ch. 5:8). At the time, Paul probably had no idea of the greatness of Gods purpose. Read Acts 16 again and ask God to reveal and emphasize truths from this chapter that He wants you to see. And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. Whereas Lydia, while not necessarily wealthy, was at least a woman of some independence (as the head of her household), this second woman is doubly bound, a . DAMSEL POSSESSED MET US. They were all saved because they all trusted the word of God and the Jesus revealed to us through the word. Roman citizens had specific, zealously guarded civil rights. 19. About midnight they were singing and praying in the hearing of the other prisoners. But when it is true and has a supernatural origin (as opposed to clever, insightful guessing), there is no doubt that it is inspired by demons. She followed Paul and Silas saying, "These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation." Upon learning this, the magistrates were filled with fear, because it was a grave offense to treat Roman citizens as Paul and Silas had been treated. had evidently been converted through Paul on his first visit NOW IT HAPPENED, AS WE WENT TO PRAYER, THAT A CERTAIN SLAVE GIRL 16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. (temp. God guides us along the way, to just the right place. The jailer rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God." Not many of us will ever go through what Christians in communist prisons had to endure. A. " 20 When the slave girl's masters had brought Paul and Silas to the magistrates, they said, 'These men, who are Jews, are confusing . i. These verses describe Paul's experiences and work with Silas in Philippi, including the conversion of the Philippianjailer. Paul wanted to have him go on with him. 39So the magistrates came begging to Paul and Silas. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. No single worker in Gods kingdom is irreplaceable. This Week: John 17:20-26. Tertullian said, The legs feel nothing in the stocks when the heart is in heaven.. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. which Paul witnessed. damsel PRAYER, see on Acts 16:13. But we will be treated wrongly, at work and at home. 38The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. God still calls people to the mission field, and He may call through unusual ways. In not escaping, they showed tremendous discernment. This shows how repentant he was and how he followed the example of love shown by Paul and Silas. Pauls action helped hold these men accountable to carry out justice for others who would be accused of some crime. (Acts 16:16-19). And, in addition to these common trials, we can expect even more trials because we are Christians. 16. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. i. Let them come themselves and get us out. And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. Summarize Acts 16:35-40 by explaining that the magistrates sent word to the prison guard to let Paul and Silas go. It is good for us to bring other help along with the gospel, but without the gospel, little real help is given. Yet, Paul did not contradict his belief or the findings of the council when he had Timothy circumcised. Due to the sweetness and greatness of this work, there is a proverb in Tamil which says, "Thiruvasagathukku . So the magistrates came begging to Paul and Silas. Second, Paul was concerned about the future of the church and the gospel in Philippi. Were out of here! And they would have run for their lives. In times of trial, Satan tempts us to think things like, If God exists and if He is good, why didnt He protect you from this extreme situation? As Peter goes on to show, and as Paul and Silas here exemplify, the solution is to resist the devil by being firm in our faith in the Almighty God. The authorities were full of fear when they learned that Paul was a Roman. He was a believer. They trusted that He had another purpose in mind, and so He did, namely, the conversion of the jailer and his family. PAUL AND SILAS ARE SEIZED, BROUGHT BEFORE THE From the city of Derbe to Troas. They have violated our rights as Roman citizens. A *Christian called a. i. Paul began this missionary journey having come from Antioch. _praes. At some time you will be falsely accused. . It was a strange and wonderful church they left behind in Philippi: Lydia, perhaps the slave girl, the jailer and his household, and others. These verses describe Pauls experiences and work in Thessalonica and Berea during his second missionaryjourney. No number of women would compensate for the absence of even one man necessary to make up the quorum of ten. (Bruce). _for _Lystra, _A.V._; Timothy _for _Timotheus, _A.V._; of a Jewess Anyone can be happy in pleasant circumstances, but real joy comes only from within, and is a gift available to Christians at all times. Tap the title next to the arrow to get thatdocument. The only way that prison and mistreatment and a raw back do not matter is when the delight of God matters more. AS WE WENT TO PRAYER. ACTS 16:1 Commentary, explanation and study verse by verse. by her Satanic incantations, continues to follow these evangelists day certain damsel met us_ (that is, met Paul and his three companions) This woman was the first convert in Europe, and one might say that the Macedonian man turned out to be a woman. For Christians, the Old Testament statements are enhanced by multiple verses such as Matthew 10:8, Luke 10:9 and 9:2, and Acts 5:16 that say "heal the sick". It would be a very long time before these officials would beat a man without a trial. Come on, Paul, get realistic! Four lessons from Acts 16: 1. 23When they had laid many blows on Paul and Silas, they threw them into prison. Timothy. 27The jailer, roused out of sleep, saw the prison doors open. gave information to the slave girl so that she could tell people (Acts 16:29-34). But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Acts 16:40 Parallel Verses [ See commentary ] Acts 16:40, NIV: After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them.Then they left. 4. (Witham) --- A divining spirit, which pretended to foretell things to A fortune-telling female slave, who brought much money to her owners THE MISSION TO EUROPE (16:6-19:20). (G3814) DISCOURSE: 1786 (dep.) Paul refused to go because he knew his rights as a Roman citizen and knew that their treatment of him was unjust. Now, they found Timothy gro WE WERE MET BY A SLAVE GIRL. SPIRIT OF DIVINATION; an evil spirit, under the influence of which she The Roman emperor Claudius had expelled the Jews from Rome in A.D. 49. What should a Christian do when his life has been a poor testimony to those without Christ? And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. (Acts 16:20-24). Those charges were simply not true. Yet Jesus said that some demons would be more difficult to cast out than others (Matthew 17:21). EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: This is Paul's Second Missionary Journey (49-52 A.D.) as recorded in Acts 15:30 - 18:21. Acts 16 is the sixteenth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Pauls missionary team did not hesitate to follow him on the basis of this call. For the Philippian jailer, Paul did not direct him to counseling. (Acts 16:38-40). The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. iii. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Pauls courage and wisdom in the face of these obstacles built a great legacy in people like Timothy. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. a. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. This is good advice to anyone contemplating suicide. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. The jailer was so impressed by Paul and Silas by the love they showed to him, and from their ability to take joy even in misery that he instantly wanted the kind of life that Paul and Silas have. Each of these two had their lives touched by Jesus in very different ways. Acts 16:12-40 V1 Paul went to Derbe and then he went to Lystra. _Gen. important truths, when he can thereby serve his purposes. ii. Verses 1-5 Although I have not verified it, I have heard that the most frequent command in the entire Bible is, Sing! And you cant rightly obey the command to praise God and sing for joy unless your heart is full of joy in Him. This is salvation by grace alone, received by faith alone. Paul and Silas travel to Derbe and Lystra, where they meet Timothy 2. 1:20).
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