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). God uses people who make themselves available to Him to do in and through them what He chooses to do. Bible Study & Sermon Videos; acts 2:16-36 niv; Acts 2:16-36 Niv. read more. 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. Beating prisoners with rigid rods is an alternative to whipping them with flexible whips. Here are some reflections from a sermon I preached in 2010. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. Sermon #7 . When Our Time Comes Tee Jackson As we experience our last days, hours, and minutes on earth, let's remain focused and finish strong in the Lord! "Look how much bigger you are. Exercise the freedom in which Christ has set you free! Amen. Christoph Schwbel All Rights Reserved. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOING GOOD AND THE DEVIL JUMP ON YOU? Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. Its his prison. Acts 16:16-34 (35-40) - Updated. Psalm 65:11, Acts 16:26, Denomination: Acts 16:16-18 It was time to end it. Mozart What are the doors that are closed to you? www.holytextures.com. "Yep," the mutt replies. Then grab every opportunity that God sends on your way. However, even though Peter was bound with chains and sleeping between two soldiers, an angel freed him (12:6-11). Then stand strong and preach without ceasing, and the Lord will use you. being Jews (v. 20b). And this is where it gets really interesting. N.T. Gail Godwin Luke has already told us about the baptism of Cornelius and all those who were with him (10:44-48) and of Lydia and her household (16:15). He has a greater purpose that we often do not understand. (16:6-7) 645. Today, well look at the salvation of the slave girl and A guy sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog for Sale." Joni Mitchell Feet fastened in stocks would add physical discomfort. This girl is neither. read more, Scripture: The jailer, having been ordered to keep these prisoners secured, places them in the innermost cell at the heart of the prisonmore than likely a dungeon. The jailer is a functionary of the most powerful empire in the known world. James Paul understands the pressure that the jailer is under and the possibility that he will commit suicide. About the Book of Acts in general: The author of the Book of Acts is Luke. verses 16 - 18) When they had brought them to the magistrates (strategois) (v. 20a). who proclaim to us a way of salvation (v. 17c). Sermon Excerpt: Acts 16:16-34. Feb 12, 1989. 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. 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. What is the most important question ever to ask? in Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume Four: Q-Z Revised, Tarsus (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988). John Piper Feb 12, 1989. read more, Scripture: Baptist. 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). After the earthquake breaks their shackles and opens their prison door they dont even try to run away. Paul and his companions found a place of prayer outside the city of Philippi on the sabbath (16:13). Scripture: Acts 3:19, Acts 16:31. Acts 16:25-34 Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. 12:7-11.) 16 And it came to pass as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed Holiness. He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. These stories are intended to show that even powerful men, using their utmost to stifle the Gospel, cannot defeat the people whom God has sent to proclaim the Gospel. 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. Acts 19. P.D. No matter what your need is Lydia, a seller of purple (and probably affluent), offered them the hospitality of her home, which they accepted (16:15). Scripture: Acts 16:11-34. This introduced the Gospel to the continent of Europe for the first time (Turkey is in Asia and Greece is in Europe). Brevard Childs She is worshiper of the God of Israel, even . It's based on the miraculous earthquake in Acts 16 where God opens the jail doors for Silas and Paul. Acts 16:11-40 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. He would take his own life before suffering the shame of not doing his job for Rome. All was lost. C. V. 23b The Sentence - These men were cast into the prison. Some of these prisoners have probably spent many days in this terrible place, and this would surely be the first time that they have heard anyone praying and singing hymns. We tend to forget that the trials of life are God's chosen method for developing us into the image of His Son, Rom. There are the school doors, the office doors, the church doors as well as the elevator door, revolving doors, and automatic doors. The greatest message. The spirit of Python will squeeze the joy out of your worship & praise.find out how to to get victory over this subtle destroyer. Three Portraits of Salvation In Philippi Download the teaching notes, gather your object . This is exactly what Paul and his companions have come to do. Soren Kierkegaard Acts 24. 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 . Acts 16. ACTS 16:16-30 IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE NOTE OF THE PRINCIPLE THAT CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES. 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, 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! Search. Hes got the keys. I would like to thank Pastor Jerry Shirley for sharing this series on Acts. 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). read more, Scripture: 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! Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (v. 30). Frederick Buechner Three weeks ago Rebecca preached about Tabitha, the faithful disciple, whom Peter raised from death to life. Acts 16:11-40 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. 16 And it came to pass as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed Penal Statistics Data reports that Acts 16:11-40, I Believe This is the point. The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. A guy sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog for Sale." **FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD Pentecost. Apostolic, THIS PASSAGE PRESENTS US WITH SEVERAL SCENARIOS, EACH OF WHICH PRESENTS PAUL AND BY INFERENCE US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF CHOICE. 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). Misunderstanding #1: It conveys an adequate gospel message for anyone. The Bible teaches us by direct command to be grateful. Eventually Paul became annoyed by her stalking him and he exorcized the spirit from her, much to the displeasure of her owners. read more, Scripture: Katherine Sonderegger, Adam Desnoyers The Blue Hornets It is not illegal to be a Jew, but these accusers are hoping to hook into anti-Semitic sentiments among the officials and/or the crowd. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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). Joanna / May 6, 2013. Ive had congregants on the cover of Forbes Magazine. 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. B. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. Follow Desiring God on Facebook . Lee Lever says: May 12, 2016 at 12:04 pm 5:18), and we must do the will of God to go to heaven (Mat. This chapter records Pauls encounter with Lydia, the successful businesswoman (16:11-15) and his encounter with a slave-girl (16:16-18) women from opposite ends of the social and economic scale. ACTS 16:16-30 Introduction Do they now release us secretly? Her Deliverance and salvation, Scripture: Acts 16:16-34 (cf. Marilynne Robinson Gabriel Fackre Life is full of uncertainties but God's commitment to you is unwavering! with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by For Luke, hospitality is always one of the signs of conversion and one of the marks of the church. 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. Paul and Silas were aware that God brought them to Philip for the purpose of planting a church. Gerard Manley Hopkins When God says "no" it's because He wants what's best for us. 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.". 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, (v. 27). Then the jailer realized he was in a heap of trouble and was about to fall on his sword, when Paul yelled out, Its OK, were still here.. Dexter Gordon 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. He became very upset, and his mother tried to calm him. When Gods servant seeks fame the scope of his ministry is shifted from God to himself. For Philippians Most High God meant a Phoenician deity, for Jews it was the Lord our God and for Greeks it meant Zeus, B. Acts 16:16-34 - Center for Excellence in Preaching. Psalms 65:11 NKJ for us to accept or to observe, being Romans (v. 21b). So your friendly neighborhood lobbyist (or pastor) may buy you . read more, Scripture: His family is also baptized, in keeping with a tradition that the head of a family can make a decision that is binding on the whole family. Arnold Kenseth Ultimately the words of the demon within her were getting more of a hearing than the proclamation of the Gospel itself! It is important that servants of God watch out for such distractions and eliminate them in order not to lose their influence in ministry. John Mortimer Paul is accompanied by Silas (15:37-38), and they are later joined by young Mark (16:1). Sermon: Principles of effective Christian Ministry, Sermon: Three things a Disciple of Christ must Renounce, Sermon: Four Phases of the Christian Life. It has been a blessing as well as a great help. The boldness and attitude of Paul and Silas should speak to us. 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. Townes Van Zandt In the first instance, Peter and other disciples were healing large numbers of people in the temple when the high priest had the disciples arrested and put in public prison. All Sermons Bible Studies Devotionals Prayers. And Your paths drip with abundance. Acts 16:16-34 Songs in the Night . Illus. Acts 16:29-34 Seeing that the jailer would commit suicide if they escaped, Paul and Silas chose his life and salvation over their own liberation (Acts 16:25-34). An Invitation Requires Truth Surfing requires a surfable wave. When the angel delivered Peter from prison in an earlier instance, Herod executed the guards for dereliction of duty (12:19). Lewis Eventually, allegations turned into a riot. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken (v. 26a). One Small Change Will Energize Tomorrow's Sermon, Slow Down, Big Fellawhat A Motorcyclist Taught Me About Preaching, Spit-Shine Tomorrow's Sermon Before You Go To Bed Tonight. Jesus had cast demons from men into pigs nearby (Matt. As was true when Jesus was tried, these accusers avoid honest accusation. Any date. Reinhold Niebuhr and the prisoners were listening to them (v. 25b). Luke Now they identify themselves as Romansa status that they enjoy as citizens of Philippi, a Roman colony. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. He calls out to reassure the jailer that all the prisoners are still present. As we pass through this life, we can expect our share of difficulty and trouble, John 16:33; Job 14:1. Acts 16:11-40 Willie Nelson. Her Deliverance and salvation How did God guide the missionaries in their travels? Sermon Seeds. . Luke shares the story of her divination (enslavement) 2. This parallels the situation that Jesus faced, where the crowd demanded that he be punished and the authorities bowed to the demands of the crowd (Luke 23). (Full sermon is posted here .) 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. 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 with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by Acts 10:34-36, 43. 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). Any duration. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. 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. Paul is accompanied by Silas (15:37-38), and they are later joined by young Mark (16:1). Perhaps God caused the prisoners to delay their escape. Acts 16:17 Demonic Witness. Witness how God can ta, When The Chains Come Off - Acts 16:16-34 - May 22, 2011 Jane Austen Sermon Acts 16:16-34 A Faith That Liberates. He could be asking what he must do to be saved from execution by the authorities. JESUS WAS TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES AND HE STOPS AND SAYS there's no length that God is not willing to go toto not only meet, but exceed far beyond your wildest expectations if you are willing to dare to believe He can do what He says He can do. Dare to Believe At least thats . Psalm 65:11, Acts 16:26, Denomination: Acts 16:29-34, Denomination: In Continue reading "Commentary on Acts 16:16-34" Anyone who thinks that slavery ended with the American Civil War is sadly mistaken. Joy to the World. Apostolic, THIS PASSAGE PRESENTS US WITH SEVERAL SCENARIOS, EACH OF WHICH PRESENTS PAUL AND BY INFERENCE US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF CHOICE. Barclay, William, Daily Study Bible: Acts, (Edinburgh: The Saint Andrew Press, 1976), Bock, Darrell L., Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Acts (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), Bruce, F. F., The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Book of Acts (Revised)(Grand Rapids: William B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), Chance, J. Bradley, The Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary: Acts (Macon, Georgia: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc., 2007), Craddock, Fred B.; Hayes, John H.; Holliday, Carl R.; and Tucker, Gene M., Preaching Through the Christian Year, C (Valley Forge: Trinity Press, 1994), Farris, Lawrence W., in Van Harn, Roger (ed. Donald Bloesch An Invitation Requires Truth 1. 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 Key teachings of Jesus Christ are focused on Faith and Love. Through prayers of course, (James 5:13). Richard Wilbur The girls real motive for confession was to draw peoples attention and build her own reputation as a fortune teller. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (v. 31). He Came to Earth that Winter Night A Christmas Hymn, He came to dwell among us A Sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, In the Dark A Sermon for the First Sunday of Advent, Year A, Displaced Persons A Sermon on Jeremiah 29: 1-14. 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 . Acts 21. The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. It has been a blessing as well as a great help. 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. And the jailer cleaned their wounds. And we stayed there several days. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. All was lost. Paul Preaches In Athens #1 -Acts 17: 15-21. 11 You crown the year with Your goodness, Suddenly 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. Acts 25. He was in charge of a prison, and there had been an earthquake, and all the doors of the prison had opened up. The authorities would typically imprison anyone whom they had first flogged. Pingback: The Girl Without a Name - Spacious Faith. (16-20) Areopagus sermon (17:16-34) "God.has set a day" (17:30-31) Trial before Gallio c. 51-52 (18:12-17) . He had the knife in his hand, and he was about to kill himself. The Board of Education which went to the Supreme Court. . The miracle that God has worked is not just for the deliverance of Paul and Silas, but also for the deliverance of the jailer. This story from Acts is a troubling one in many ways. Middle Fish Pond No matter what your need is Executable Outlines - Free sermon outlines and Bible studies! This is Paul's Second Missionary Journey (49-52 A.D.) as recorded in Acts 15:30 - 18:21. The Conference officially . Model sermons available on Lifeway.com, in biblical order. When you are treated wrongly, entrust your soul to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. Second, the spiritual powers to which this girl has access are demonic. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norn 2023 The Virtual Preacher. 26 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), Wall, Robert W., The New Interpreters Bible: Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Vol. Today is the Seventh and final Sunday in Easter and we have had several readings from the Book of Actsthat emphasize the power of Jesus resurrection during the rise of the early church. 34He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you . The jailers panic and his relief on discovering that the prisoners are still present has made him receptive to guidance from Paul and Silas, whom he surely regards as his saviors in this present crisis. . Proposition: Luke shares with us the story of the young Pythoness - 1. They are not powerful. And we stayed there several days. Acts 16:16-18 This girls witness is true, but subject to misinterpretation by people who know nothing of Paul or the God whom he represents. Chris Botti Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. He was a walking dead man. They also accuse Paul and Silas of being Jews, which of course is true. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for .Download the Sunday School lessons below. This is Pauls Second Missionary Journey (49-52 A.D.) as recorded in Acts 15:30 18:21. Let us all make a note to ourselves that in our most difficult time, at our darkest hour, we could take a page from their book and just sing a good hymn. Because he wanted Jonathan to pick a direction and go. He calls us to present your members as servants to righteousness for sanctification (Romans 6:19). Jump to: New Testament. Jesus Heals a Man Unable to Speak. Rowan Williams I'm New Issues of ultimate reality, issues that deal with politics and suffering. Breaking chains, Opening Doors A Sermon on Acts 16:16-34, https://anchor.fm/sunday-on-the-commons/episodes/Open-DoorsBroken-ChainsGuest-Preacher-the-RevDrRichard-LFloydJune-22019-e48v6m. Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. If we aren't willing to tell them about Jesus, how can we ever invite them to experience all that He has for them? Are the magistrates (strategois) of this verse the same officials as the authorities (archontas) of verse 19? Paul will later claim to have been beaten with rods three times (2 Corinthians 11:25), but we have no further record of the other two occasions. The Gospel erases all those previously important social distinctions. 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. In Greek mythology, the great serpent, Python, lived in a cave near Delphi.and guarded the oracle there (Encarta). 8:28-34; Luke 8: . Patrick O'Brian Lesson 42 - Paul's Vision of the Man of Macedonia - Acts 16:6-10 641. ), which the WEB has updated. Weekly Theme: Now What? 13 On the Sabbath we The 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. How God Tests Those who Are Led By The Holy Spirit Acts 16: 16-24. read more, Scripture: JESUS WAS TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES AND HE STOPS AND SAYS I have used these for our church, as I spend my days caring for my dying father. Texts: Psalm 27; Acts 16:16-34 "FOCUS" What do you do with what happens to you? 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) Look up John 10:9 and compare Luke 13:24-27. Finally, Luke sees the Gospel as shaking foundations, disrupting conventions, and overturning proscriptions. Acknowledgement in oral presentations is not required. The note about ordering the jailer to keep them safely helps to set up the later scene where an earthquake sets them free. The book of Acts emphasizes the power and abilities of the leaders of the Jesus movement. Paul was excellent in recognizing and utilizing opportunities, (Acts 17:23; Philippians 1:18). He then brought them out and asked, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 0:07. Herman Melvillle Acts: 1: Sharing Christ in All Places : 1:1-14: While You Wait : 2:21-42: A New Community : 4:23-36: A Winning Witness : But that is not the only thing . Gracie Simmonds, Mar 7, 2022. 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. He called for lights and sprang in, and, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas (v. 29). My Top Ten Posts of 2022 | When I Survey . 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" Book Passage Sermon article; . Marva Dawn C. H. Spurgeon, vol. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. Sermon. The people do not accuse Paul and Silas of being Christians, because Paul and Silas have just begun to introduce Christianity to Macedonia (Greece) and the people, for the most part, have no idea that they are Christians or what that means. The jailer demonstrates his new faith by taking care of their wounds and by being baptized. As a result of the numerous miracles performed through Paul and Peter, the church grows daily. Sermon, "Voices from Prison: Paul and Silas," Acts 16:16-40 July 15, 2018 Sermon 7/15/18 . When you do the Spirit of God will move. Your email address will not be published. Dorothy Sayers As far as we can tell, Paul does not free this slave girl out of kindness. A) IN JAIL FOR The Manner Of Paul The Apostle Acts 17: 1-9. I remember it like it was yesterday. G.F. Handel In todays sermon, I am going to present to you four principles that make Christian ministry effective as seen in Acts 16:16-34. Her Deliverance and salvation, Scripture: Acts 16:16-34 (cf. The surfer cant make the wave, however. He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household (v. 33). At least thats Scott Hubbard Dec 3, 2021. They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house (v. 32). June 2, 2022 by Kristin Schmidt. read more, Scripture: When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely (v. 23). Paul was well aware of this, (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7). Acts 16:25-34 HCSB. There would be little provision for sanitation or ventilation, so the stench would be terrible.