John Irving Lyle Lovett Now, what are we to make of this strange story. into the marketplace(agoran) (19b). These three recipients of Pauls ministry (Lydia, the slave-girl, and the Roman jailer) epitomized all whom the Jews held in contemptwomen, slaves, and Gentiles (Williams, 280). There would be no light at night, and little light during the day. They say nothing about Paul and Silas ruining their little business. Sermon #7 . a. read more. Acts 16:29-34, Denomination: he asks. Psalms 65:11 NKJ Seeing that Paul has wrecked their business venture, they set out to wreck Paul and Silas. Scripture: Acts 16:11-34. Jonathan Edwards Eventually Paul became annoyed by her stalking him and he exorcized the spirit from her, much to the displeasure of her owners. . I have used these for our church, as I spend my days caring for my dying father. The Importance of Preparation in the Ministry of Preaching. Acts 16:16-34, Denomination: Keep up with the good work of most high and greatest God. John 14:21. Paul was excellent in recognizing and utilizing opportunities, (Acts 17:23; Philippians 1:18). verses 16 - 18) Simple English; Slovenina; . He was in charge of a prison, and there had been an earthquake, and all the doors of the prison had opened up. It might seem odd that this jailer did not examine the cells carefully before deciding to kill himself, but people under great stress often panicand this jailer is certainly panicked. An Invitation Requires Truth ( Ac 16:17, AT) "Most High" might imply pantheon, not necessarily orthodox beliefs (Keener, Lecture). Life is full of uncertainties but God's commitment to you is unwavering! Overcoming any obstacle that is presented, they go about proclaiming to the world that Jesus died and was raised so that all could Continue reading "Commentary on Acts 16:16-34" Graham Greene There are several: God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. (I Corinthians 1: 27-29). You see, that will be the day that I die. Proposition: Luke shares with us the story of the young Pythoness - 1. Suddenly Distracted by Many Things A Sermon on Luke 10:38-42, God Gives the Growth: A Retirement Sermon, When the Spirit comes A Sermon for Pentecost, Pity the Nation A Poem for our Time by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, The God Who Still Speaks A Sermon on John 16:12-15, We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace A Devotion on Psalm 23:4, We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace, Your Sons and Your Daughters Shall Prophesy, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. These men are servants of the Most High God (v. 17b). Acts 17. ACTS 16:16-30 Paul Preaches In Athens #1 -Acts 17: 15-21. Any date. Beating prisoners with rigid rods is an alternative to whipping them with flexible whips. Sermon. There would be little provision for sanitation or ventilation, so the stench would be terrible. N.T. Her Deliverance and salvation, Scripture: Acts 16:16-34 (cf. God was waiting for someone to choose to It has been a blessing as well as a great help. read more. who, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks (v. 24). Acts 10:34-36, 43. and commanded them to be beaten with rods (v. 22b). In some cases, they kidnap the children. He was in charge of a prison, and there had been an earthquake, and all the doors of the prison had opened up. Acts 16:29-34, Denomination: 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. Theme: Paul and the Pythoness Joy Recovered. - - - - -. Fyodor Dostoyevsky The Gospel is addressed to all sorts and conditions of people, to women and men, to Jews like Paul, to Gentiles like Lydia, to rich people like Lydia, to poor people like the slave girl with the demon, to powerful people like the Roman jailer and to powerless people, like slaves. JESUS WAS TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES AND HE STOPS AND SAYS God uses people who make themselves available to Him to do in and through them what He chooses to do. - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation Walt Whitman Read the Bible Acts 2:21. Required fields are marked *. People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them. He just spots a surfable wave and surfs 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) But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God (v. 25a). Robert Frost Sermon Notes: Why the Lord is my Shepherd? construction jobs san antonio part time Oh Lord Almighty God we need you right now, we need you right now Reveal your Glory, Reveal your Glory, and pour your spirit out We need you, We need you We . read more, Scripture: read more, Scripture: It seems likely that their prayers are prayers of praise and petitions for guidance rather than prayers for release. Acts 16:16-30, People have always longed to know what the future holds but we don't need to know the future - we just need to know He who holds the future in His hands! read more, Scripture: . Sermon 2/24/19 Acts 15:1-31 A Way Forward: Which Way? that a certain girl (v. 16b). In today's sermon, I am going to present to you four principles that make Christian ministry effective as seen in Acts 16:16-34. read more, Scripture: Download the teaching notes, gather your object . Anne Tyler Bach They also accuse Paul and Silas of being Jews, which of course is true. Feb 12, 1989. 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. He says, For he who was called in the Lord being a bondservant is the Lords free man. It comes from somewhere else. 1. Reinhold Niebuhr The authorities would typically imprison anyone whom they had first flogged. So your friendly neighborhood lobbyist (or pastor) may buy you . Let me share with you some of my musings. The story of Lydia is full of sweetness and light. G.F. Handel -- Everything we do starts with an invitation to be a part of --Tee Jackson Contents Letter of E HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOING GOOD AND THE DEVIL JUMP ON YOU? He is on the lookout for people who will be obedient to Him and step out by faith and follow. In the second instance, Herod arrested Peter and delivered him to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him (12:4)an extraordinary measure of security. Many similar forms of slavery exist throughout the world today. Acts 16:11-40, I Believe "Pardon and Justification" in Sermons of Rev. B. 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. **THEY WERE BEAT WITH MANY STRIPES In fact it is certain to be a day like absolutely no other that has gone before. Acts 16:11-40 8:28-29; 1 Cor. Miroslav Volf He washed them from their stripes, and was himself washed from his sins (quoted in Bruce, 318). IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE NOTE OF THE PRINCIPLE THAT CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES. All was lost. Oscar Peterson As the story continues, the disciples are still in Philippi, where they will be for the balance of chapter 16. He has a greater purpose that we often do not understand. Why did God say maybe? -- Whether its an invitation to a ballgame, to a BBQ, or even to church Introduction 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for .Download the Sunday School lessons below. Acts 8:14-17 says this now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who . We cant be sure. You see, that will be the day that I die. I was too young to remember the event but I can only imagine how difficult it must have . When the jailer relays that information to Paul and Silas, Paul says, They have beaten us publicly, without a trial, men who are Romans, and have cast us into prison! Look up John 3:16; 1:12 (where to "believe" = to "receive"), and compare Acts 16:14 and Revelation 3:20. Forsyth B. As I said last week, Luke believes in the power of the Holy Spirit, but also in human free will, and sees no contradiction between divine guiding and human choosing. Timothy and Luke seem not to be involved at this point. Here are some common misunderstandings of Acts 16:31 . So, there they are, at midnight, in the stocks, singing their hearts out, when: Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyones chains were unfastened., I definitely want that part in my movie. and set forth customs which it is not lawful (v. 21a). The spirit of Python will squeeze the joy out of your worship & praise.find out how to to get victory over this subtle destroyer. Miss, it means to wait for another. This missionary journey has taken Paul from Jerusalem north to Antioch of Syria and then westwards through the interior of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Lesson 42: The Urgent Question (Acts 16:25-34) A four-year-old boy was outdoors when a bee starting buzzing around a table nearby. Acts 16:16-26. By Dr. Mickey Anders. It came out that very hour (v. 18c). The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. Pingback: The Girl Without a Name - Spacious Faith. As Greeks, they would be inclined to equate Most High God with Zeus. Psalm 65:11, Acts 16:26, Denomination: Because he wanted Jonathan to pick a direction and go. 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. Acts 16:16-40, Denomination: Pauls accusers do not specify what customs Paul is advocating that are not lawful. The multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore their clothes off of them, and commanded them to be beaten with rods (v. 22). Hes got the keys. But Lukes story leaves no doubt who he thinks is really free and who isnt. Acts 16:16-34Open Doors. 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. This introduced the Gospel to the continent of Europe for the first time (Turkey is in Asia and Greece is in Europe). Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. P.D. June 2, 2022 by Kristin Schmidt. read more, Scripture: In this latest instance, the jailer knows that his life is forfeit if even one prisoner has escapedand all the prison doors are open, so surely more than one prisoner has escaped. Philip Roth 32-34 They went on to spell out in detail the story of the Masterthe entire family got in on this part. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. Sell Sermons from the Book of Acts. I'm New Issues of ultimate reality, issues that deal with politics and suffering. But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace (agoran) before the rulers (archontas) (v. 19). This woman, who is a slave to demonic spirits and evil men, recognizes that Paul and his companions are slaves to the Most High God. It's Lent! read more, Scripture: Children's Sermon (Acts 16:16-34) Paul and Silas in Prison. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. If we aren't willing to tell them about Jesus, how can we ever invite them to experience all that He has for them? June 29, 2014 She was doing this for many days. Learn how your comment data is processed. This verse probably summarizes a longer proclamation. Paul and Silas visit Lydias home to encourage the believers, after which they do leave town. They told the judges that Paul and Silas had brought a lot of trouble to the city. This us represents the last we passage in Acts until 10:6, leaving us to wonder if Luke drops out at this point. Richard Wilbur Peddlers of sex and pornography often use enslaved children, male and female, for their purposes. Chapel 3 from Acts 16:25-34 Not only can he expect to be killed if a prisoner has escaped, but he will also be humiliated before his peers, who will carry out his execution. The jailers question can be understood on two levels. In todays sermon, I am going to present to you four principles that make Christian ministry effective as seen in Acts 16:16-34. And I can assure you having power and money doesnt make you free, much less happy or secure. C.S. Follow Desiring God on Facebook . A precise commentary on acts 16 16 34 can boost your faith and strengthen your walk with Jesus Christ. Mark, Luke, and John for your sermon, homily, bible study, or reflection. Paul understands the pressure that the jailer is under and the possibility that he will commit suicide. Acts 16:16-34 May 16, 2010 . Reflection on John 20:1-18: by Kathryn Matthews (Huey) . God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him Learn more about Desiring God Ways to Follow. So, when . I remember it like it was yesterday. read more, Scripture: By John Raulerson ROBERT RAYBURN SERMONS BOOK OF ACTS. Acts 16:16-25. 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. We get very excited at individual miracles which are not wrong by the way but not seeing that it is just a small component of a much bigger plan is dangerous because failure to grab the full picture means chances are high that we will backslide in ministry. While surely that phrase means more than escape from prison, in Acts the Lukan author includes three prison escape miracles in which Jesus does indeed set captives free. ACTS 16:25-30 And at midnight Paul and Silas Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. **HELPING A LITTLE GIRL It's based on the miraculous earthquake in Acts 16 where God opens the jail doors for Silas and Paul. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Inviting others means that we must be willing to tell them the truth. Theme: Paul and the Pythoness read more, Scripture: Follow Desiring God on Facebook . We tend to forget that the trials of life are God's chosen method for developing us into the image of His Son, Rom. He commands the spirit to leave the girl because she . The Conference officially . Unable to shift positions, prisoners would grow more uncomfortable by the minute. Dorothy Sayers For Philippians Most High God meant a Phoenician deity, for Jews it was the Lord our God and for Greeks it meant Zeus, B. The Gerasene demoniac (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39). Arnold Kenseth Meanwhile, Roman readers may have approved of Paul's censure . What does the Bible say about using pirated software? 26 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), Wall, Robert W., The New Interpreters Bible: Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Vol. Paul would not disagree with her characterization. Use this children's sermon in your kids church, Sunday School, or children's ministry teaching. He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household (v. 33). - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation Exercise the freedom in which Christ has set you free! Amen. They claimed that Paul and Silas were teaching customs that were against their laws. The jailer is a functionary of the most powerful empire in the known world. Acts 24. Joy Recovered. Second, the spiritual powers to which this girl has access are demonic. "Look how much bigger you are. The book of Acts is the report of early Christians who had faith to do these greater things that Jesus promised. 34He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God. The Key teachings of Jesus Christ are focused on Faith and Love. Toward that end, I request you use your full name when commenting. As we pass through this life, we can expect our share of difficulty and trouble, John 16:33; Job 14:1. The 95-year-old Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on Saturday at 9:34 AM in his residence at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. Apostolic, THIS PASSAGE PRESENTS US WITH SEVERAL SCENARIOS, EACH OF WHICH PRESENTS PAUL AND BY INFERENCE US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF CHOICE. Here, Luke describes a demon properly identifying Paul and Silas as slaves of God. 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. The best example of the topsy-turvy values of the Gospel in our story is the contrast between the Roman jailer and Paul and Silas. Acts 18. Paul says, Dont you know that to whom you present yourselves as servants to obedience, his servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness? (Romans 6:16). Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (v. 31). They are not free. 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). Annie Dillard **FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD At least thats Bonnie Raitt "You talk?" The Noble Brethren Of Berea -Acts 17: 10-14. This story from Acts is a troubling one in many ways. So that the surfer doesnt have to wait for another one. Book Passage Sermon article; . Sermon Acts 16:16-34 A Faith That Liberates. A) IN JAIL FOR The slave girl was a prophetess. Hans W. Frei Look up John 10:9 and compare Luke 13:24-27. Hemer, C.J. read more, Scripture: Staying faithful through difficult circumstances. Wright Acts 16:25-34 A. read more, Scripture: What are the doors that are closed to you? The boldness and attitude of Paul and Silas should speak to us. J.S. X (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), Walaskay, Paul W., Westminster Bible Companion: Acts (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1998), Williams, David J., New International Biblical Commentary: Acts (Paternoster Press, 1995), Willimon, William H., Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching: Acts (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1988), Copyright 2009, 2010, Richard Niell Donovan, All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. Psalms 65:11 NKJ read more, Scripture: Every morning and every evening the head of a Jewish Acts 16:16-24. Apostolic, THIS PASSAGE PRESENTS US WITH SEVERAL SCENARIOS, EACH OF WHICH PRESENTS PAUL AND BY INFERENCE US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF CHOICE. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken (v. 26a). Dave Mallett Acts 16:11-40 And Your paths drip with abundance. Acts 16:16-18, Denomination: I would like to thank Pastor Jerry Shirley for sharing this series on Acts. Kapitulli 2: (Christ) Rescue of the Lost Lamb. It's kind of What the accusers do not know, but Paul will later reveal (v. 37) is that he and Silas are also Roman citizens. 25But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Showing Our Love for Jesus. People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them. Illus. Gracie Simmonds, Mar 7, 2022. It is written in the scriptures that no one can please God without faith. This is Paul's Second Missionary Journey (49-52 A.D.) as recorded in Acts 15:30 - 18:21. No matter what your need is Jane Austen Miles Davis 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. The agora was the public square in the center of the city. And the jailer cleaned their wounds. He could be asking what he must do to be saved from execution by the authorities. . with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by Anthony Trollope It was the court case that paved the way for the desegregation of our school systems. Acts 16:17 Demonic Witness. There are two stories of salvation in Acts 16, and it feels as though Dr. Luke has picked these two stories for their very different feel and color. iv, pp. Paul's Sermon To the Athenians . P.T. Two weeks ago we looked at the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer charging the Philistines. (v. 27). -- Whether its an invitation to a ballgame, to a BBQ, or even to church A guy sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog for Sale." No matter what your need is Sermon: Faithfulness is the Key to God's Blessings, Sermon Notes: The Parable of the Prodigal Son, Sermon Notes: Healing a Paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda, Sermon: The 3 kinds of prayer: Ask-Seek-Knock, New Year Sermon: An old Challenge for a New Year, Fathers Day Sermon: Qualities of a Godly Father. Consequently, this historical information recorded in the book makes it a good source to learn about Christian ministry. It is the slave-girls owners who bring Paul and Silas before these strategois (magistrates). How do we stand strong during persecution? Brevard Childs "Yep," the mutt replies. How were the travelers hindered from entering Bithynia? Apparently, this slave girl was quite good at predicting the future and brought home a lucrative profit for her owners. All was lost. Acts 21. In the previous verse, the accusers (the slave-girls owners) have identified Paul and Silas as Jews. Acts 16:25-34, Denomination: Jump to: New Testament. Intro: Having lost in a fire virtually everything they owned, the Spafford family made new plans, including a move from Chicago to France.Horatio Spafford planned the trip for his wife and four daughters to be as trouble-free as possible. John Coltrane After the people beat Paul and Silas, they were thrown in prison. Luke Nancy Griffith Our responsibility in such difficult times is to trust and obey Him. To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is to COME TO HIM. They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house (v. 32). Paul and Silas were aware that God brought them to Philip for the purpose of planting a church. you and your household (v. 31a). The prisoners must have all ran Witness how God can ta, When The Chains Come Off - Acts 16:16-34 - May 22, 2011 It was through this chaotic situation the church of Philip was born, B. Some are once born and never experience conversion but still know and follow Jesus. . Dietrich Bonhoeffer The owners accuse Paul and Silas of disturbing the peace and being Jews, a bit of Roman anti-Semitism, and the crowd riots, and beat them within an inch of their lives. IT WAS A BAD SITUATION The sermons that I have listed are 30 to 40 minute sermons. 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. He became very upset, and his mother tried to calm him. John Donne 12:7-11.) Lutheran. It was time to end it. They were flogged severely and put in jail with their feet fastened in stocks, C. The rioters would have expected the missionaries to lose morale. As far as we can tell, Paul does not free this slave girl out of kindness. Scripture: Acts 16:25-34. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's chains came loose. Luke 17:11-37; 18:15-34 Topic: People To Meet, Lessons To Learn. Paul and Silas are still in Philippi, where we left them last week. The best way to preach this text is to simply tell the story highlighting the centrality of salvation.