Acts 16:29-34 When Gods servant seeks fame the scope of his ministry is shifted from God to himself. . This us represents the last we passage in Acts until 10:6, leaving us to wonder if Luke drops out at this point. If they can make a general charge like this stick, then they will find it unnecessary to defend more specific accusations. Acts 2 Commentary; DON ROBINSON Sermons on Acts Acts 2:1-2 Hindering the Work of God; Acts 2,8,9,10 & 19 A Closer Look at Experience John Donne Acts 16:1-16, GOD WILL BREAK INTO YOUR SITUATION WHEN YOU SING AND PRAISE, WHEN GOD BREAKS IN! Acts 16:11-40 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. Some come to Christ all at once, some over time. He commands the spirit to leave the girl because she . Beating prisoners with rigid rods is an alternative to whipping them with flexible whips. Required fields are marked *. The Blue Hornets Luke does not tell us whether this is a sabbath. We looked at Lydia, the first person to be saved because she was searching. 1. soothsaying. Theme: Paul and the Pythoness People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them. The Gospel canticle acts as a kind of meditative extension of the scriptural proclamation in light of the Christ event.Request Prayer Please enter your information and submit your prayer request below . This girls witness is true, but subject to misinterpretation by people who know nothing of Paul or the God whom he represents. 26Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyones bonds were loosened. The Conference officially . Feb 12, 1989. William Shakespeare, Agatha Christie Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment. This verse probably summarizes a longer proclamation. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. Reflection on John 20:1-18: by Kathryn Matthews (Huey) . He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. Theres that generous hospitality again that we saw in the story of Lydias conversion. He has a greater purpose that we often do not understand. The boldness and attitude of Paul and Silas should speak to us. Commentary on Acts 16 16 34. Robert Frost He was in charge of a prison, and there had been an earthquake, and all the doors of the prison had opened up. He was a walking dead man. The actions of Paul and Silas, therefore, constitute a powerful witness to the rest of the prisoners. ACTS 16:16-30 Do they now release us secretly? Middle Eastern nations often import female workers whose legal contracts constitute a form of indentured servitude. When you are treated wrongly, entrust your soul to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by The Bible teaches us by direct command to be grateful. (16:6) 643. Toward that end, I request you use your full name when commenting. a. Use this children's sermon in your kids church, Sunday School, or children's ministry teaching. read more, Scripture: G.K. Chesterton By Dr. Mickey Anders. Acts 18. Kudoz. This exorcism demonstrates Gods power over demonic spirits. Roman citizenship comes with a number of privileges, and is highly respected. being Jews (v. 20b). 23When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely, 24who, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks. As was true when Jesus was tried, these accusers avoid honest accusation. in Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume Four: Q-Z Revised, Tarsus (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988). "Pardon and Justification" in Sermons of Rev. Flogged and jailed (16:22-24) The magistrates order Paul and Silas to be beaten with rods and thrown into the local jail (16:23). God was waiting for someone to choose to Gracie Simmonds, Mar 7, 2022. They met Lydia, a seller of purple, there, and baptized her and her family (16:11-15). James The slave girl was a prophetess. Dexter Gordon It also records the conversion of a Roman jailer and his household (16:29-34), demonstrating the ability of the Gospel to penetrate into the hearts of people from all walks of life. John Coltrane 16It happened, as we were going to prayer, that a certain girl having a spirit of divination (Greek: pneuma pythonaa python spirit) met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling (Greek: manteuomeneprophesying). June 29, 2014 The Syrophoenician womans daughter (Matthew 15:21-18; Mark 7:24-30). 13 On the Sabbath we Feb 12, 1989. This appears to be the same place of prayer where they earlier encountered Lydia (16:13). www.holytextures.com. The note about ordering the jailer to keep them safely helps to set up the later scene where an earthquake sets them free. read more, Scripture: These men, being Jews, are agitating our city (v. 20b). The sermons that I have listed are 30 to 40 minute sermons. They never did get to bed that night. He is on the lookout for people who will be obedient to Him and step out by faith and follow. Jane Austen While that girl was following, to Paul and us she cried out saying, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you a (the)1 way of salvation.". So your friendly neighborhood lobbyist (or pastor) may buy you . Showing Our Love for Jesus. In fact it is certain to be a day like absolutely no other that has gone before. Besides, if that bee stings you, his stinger will . We cant be sure. read more, Scripture: It is difficult to imagine a more terrible place. Paul understands the pressure that the jailer is under and the possibility that he will commit suicide. A Very Real Enemy I have known some very powerful people in my time, captains of industry, rich people, famous people. God speaks in a special and personal way in close calls today. read more, Scripture: Acts 2:1-21 Pentecost; Acts 2:14-41 The First Sermon in the Last Days; Acts 2:36-41 Becoming a Christian; Acts 2:42-47 A New Community; A. T. ROBERTSON Word Pictures on Acts. People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them. Mark, Luke, and John for your sermon, homily, bible study, or reflection. **HELPING A LITTLE GIRL For Luke, hospitality is always one of the signs of conversion and one of the marks of the church. Acts . Paul was well aware of this, (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7). Illus. The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Any date. Flannery O'Connor Brevard Childs Acts 17. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOING GOOD AND THE DEVIL JUMP ON YOU? read more, Luke shares with us the story of the salvation of the Pythoness - 1. He had the knife in his hand, and he was about to kill himself. 19But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace (Greek: agoran) before the rulers (Greek: archontas). IT WAS A BAD SITUATION Your email address will not be published. Most Popular. As Greeks, they would be inclined to equate Most High God with Zeus. Acts 19. Marilynne Robinson Acts 16:16-34Open Doors. Today we have another story about lives changed. Why did Jesus refer to Herod as That fox in Luke 13:32? Lesson 19 - Luke 20:1-47 Topic: Issues and Answers. Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who . Paul and Silas use the jailers question as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to him. By characterizing Paul and Silas as Jews and themselves as Romans, Pauls accusers are trying to establish a bad-guy, good-guy contrastwith themselves being the good guys. Philippi is in a seismically active area, so it would not be unusual to experience an earthquake therealthough an earthquake this violent would be unusual. Psalms 65:11 NKJ 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you . Then things get ugly. 26 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), Wall, Robert W., The New Interpreters Bible: Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Vol. Catherine Mowry LaCugna Acts 16:11-40 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. John Calvin Joy to the World. Because he wanted Jonathan to pick a direction and go. Acts 16:29-34 Acts 16:16-34 - Center for Excellence in Preaching. 20When they had brought them to the magistrates (Greek: strategois), they said, These men, being Jews, are agitating our city, 21and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans. 22The multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore their clothes off of them, and commanded them to be beaten with rods. Pentecost. From Satans Slave to Gods Servant: Acts 16:16-24. Soren Kierkegaard I have used these for our church, as I spend my days caring for my dying father. Three weeks ago Rebecca preached about Tabitha, the faithful disciple, whom Peter raised from death to life. Sermon. Quite simply, it means even if something appears to be free, there's always some kind of catch. It has been a blessing as well as a great help. Lydia was both financially prosperous and socially independent. Influential ministries always become a target of persecution because the devil is not going to sit back and enjoy as people get saved and added to Gods Kingdom. Many similar forms of slavery exist throughout the world today. We tend to forget that the trials of life are God's chosen method for developing us into the image of His Son, Rom. But Paul, becoming greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! It came out that very hour. Psalm 65:11, Acts 16:26, Denomination: read more, Scripture: The jailer made them feel at home, dressed their wounds, and thenhe couldn't wait till morning!was baptized, he and everyone in his family. Acts 16:25-34 He could be asking what he must do to be saved from execution by the authorities. They accuse Paul and Silas of creating a public disturbancea charge that city officials must take seriously no civil official can tolerate a public disturbance. Sermon Series: How to discern Gods will. Acts 16:11-40 C. V. 23b The Sentence - These men were cast into the prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life' (5:20). and commanded them to be beaten with rods (v. 22b). who proclaim to us a way of salvation (v. 17c). Acts 16:16-18, Denomination: The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. Salvation Object Lesson (Acts 3:19) Hard Boiled Egg ; God's Loves Everyone (Acts 11:1-18, John 13:31-35) Children's Sermon ; Children's Message "Pentecost" Holy Spirit Wind and Fire Object Lesson (Acts 2:1-12) Lesson: Barnabas and Paul Begin Their Missionary Journey ; Shine a Light Object Lesson for Sunday School (Matthew 5:16) read more, Scripture: Scott Hubbard Dec 3, 2021. Suddenly George Herbert Paul and Silas in Prison. (16-20) Areopagus sermon (17:16-34) "God.has set a day" (17:30-31) Trial before Gallio c. 51-52 (18:12-17) . read more, Scripture: Michael Connelly She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. It was time to end it. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. JESUS WAS TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES AND HE STOPS AND SAYS 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, . read more, Scripture: IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE NOTE OF THE PRINCIPLE THAT CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES. Luke P.D. He is free. This strikes fear in the heart of the magistrates, because they do not have the authority to beat and jail Roman citizens without due process of law. read more. He is powerful. As the story continues, the disciples are still in Philippi, where they will be for the balance of chapter 16. It may be time to cast them off and open them up. Pingback: The Girl Without a Name - Spacious Faith. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. Acts 16:29-34, Denomination: Dietrich Bonhoeffer And we stayed there several days. IN OTHER WORDS, CHOICES, THE ENVIRONMENT OF CHOICE In fact it is certain to be a day like absolutely no other that has gone before. Mark Twain It is similar to Peters salvation formula at Pentecost, Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (2:38). Sermon, "Voices from Prison: Paul and Silas," Acts 16:16-40 July 15, 2018 Sermon 7/15/18 . Finally, Luke sees the Gospel as shaking foundations, disrupting conventions, and overturning proscriptions. When Luke says that this girl has a pneuma pythonaa python spirithe means that people believe that she can tap into divine powers for wisdom and guidancethat she is, in essence, a human intermediary for divine powers. Luke gives us no information concerning the content of these prayers, but the hymn-singing makes it clear that Paul and Silas are anything but depressed, defeated prisoners. 11 You crown the year with Your goodness, Fleming Rutledge 27The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. Beaten backs would be subject to infection. Acts 16:25-30, Denomination: In the previous verse, the accusers (the slave-girls owners) have identified Paul and Silas as Jews. This girl is neither. Some are once born and never experience conversion but still know and follow Jesus. At least thats It came out that very hour (v. 18c). It is important that servants of God watch out for such distractions and eliminate them in order not to lose their influence in ministry. This is Pauls Second Missionary Journey (49-52 A.D.) as recorded in Acts 15:30 18:21. It is midnight, literally and figuratively, the darkest hour, and you might expect that Paul and Silas would be down in the dumps, but no, they are singing hymns about Jesus, so that the other prisoners can hear. Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. This procedure is designed, in part, to separate the process from mob rule and to give the accused a fair trial before impartial judges. Sunday School Lesson December 25 Lesson 4 (KJV) Mary Rejoices Devotional Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7 Background Scripture: Luke 1:46-55 Luke 1:46-55 46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. What does the Bible say about using pirated software? Chapel 3 from Acts 16:25-34 Nazarene. And the jailer cleaned their wounds. Acts 16:1-31, What you're going through is a praise, prayer and song away from turning around, In the New York Times there was an article stipulating the population of the prison system, this article asserts that the United States of America constitutes 5 percent of the worlds population, but it houses 25 percent of the prison population. It happened, as we were going to prayer (v. 16a). read more, Scripture: When God says "no" it's because He wants what's best for us. A vision of a man from Macedonia (modern-day Greece) caused Paul and Silas to cross the Aegean Sea to go there (16:9-12). Life is filled with close calls and narrow escapes' The Voice In A Close Call Acts 16:10-34 We were entering the highway at an entrance notorious as a black spot for fatal accidents. Robertson Davies Diana Krall So, this story invites us to consider our own freedom and power. The Christian As A Citizen -Acts 16: 35-40. The jailer called for lights and saw that they were still there, and he took them outside and asked, What must I do to be saved. Now to us, this sounds like a religious question, but he may have merely been asking how do I get out of this mess? But Paul and Silas heard it as a religious question and answered, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. Which is what happened. Its his prison. Mozart As we pass through this life, we can expect our share of difficulty and trouble, John 16:33; Job 14:1. Second Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA. Sunday, June 2, 1019. We cant invent them either. Proposition: Luke shares with us the story of the young Pythoness - 1. Every morning and every evening the head of a Jewish household would pray, giving thanks that God had not created him a Gentile, a woman or a slave. It hardly seems coincidental that the first three conversions which take place at Philippi, come from those three despised categories. read more, Scripture: God was waiting for someone to choose to He was a walking dead man. Dorothy Sayers A Sermon by Alex Evans, Pastor. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (v. 31). Last week was the 50th anniversary of Brown vs. Christoph Schwbel The crowd of people were angry and the judges tore off Silas and Paul's coats and commanded that they be beaten. So, on this final Sunday of Easter, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and the power of God to bring new life to us all, what are the chains that hold you? Staying faithful through difficult circumstances. He called for lights and sprang in, and, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas (v. 29). Now they identify themselves as Romansa status that they enjoy as citizens of Philippi, a Roman colony. Lewis . Acts 16:16-34 Songs in the Night . Executable Outlines - Free sermon outlines and Bible studies! He explains, For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more (1 Corinthians 9:19). The jailers question can be understood on two levels. 63). Rick Warren in Purpose Driven Church says that opportunities are the same. George MacDonald Fraser, Bob Dylan [Image: Marnie Pix] 1. and set forth customs which it is not lawful (v. 21a). If this content was helpful to you, please consider leaving your feedback in the comments section at the bottom, and sharing it with friends and family via email and social media, or both. read more. You see, that will be the day that I die. St. Anselm of Canterbury Pauls accusers do not specify what customs Paul is advocating that are not lawful. Dave Mallett I would like to thank Pastor Jerry Shirley for sharing this series on Acts. At least thats Are the magistrates (strategois) of this verse the same officials as the authorities (archontas) of verse 19? Chrysostom said of this incident, He (the jailer) washed and was washed. 16 And it came to pass as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed I have wise friends in the recovery community who tell me that they only experienced real freedom when they admitted their powerlessness, and turned their lives over to a higher power. They have told me that the chains that held them and the doors they were locked behind were often of their own making. It was time to end it. Inviting others means that we must be willing to tell them the truth. "Most High" often referred to . Psalm 65:11, Acts 16:26, Denomination: Not only have Paul and Silas remained in prison, but the other prisoners have done the same. There is a slave girl, a fortune teller with a spirit of divination. A spirit of divination is a pretty good dynamic equivalent English translation, but we lose something cool from the Greek which is pneuma pythonos, literally the spirit of the python, the snake that was the symbol of the prophetesses at the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. Kapitulli 2: (Christ) Rescue of the Lost Lamb. Using an earthquake for his purposes, God opens the prison doors and unfastens the prisoners chains so that Paul and Silas are free to escape. 17Following Paul and us, she cried out, These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us a way of salvation! 18She was doing this for many days.