Search. Paul was well aware of this, (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7). [Image: Marnie Pix] 1. with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by The sermons that I have listed are 30 to 40 minute sermons. For Luke, hospitality is always one of the signs of conversion and one of the marks of the church. Acts 18. He was in charge of a prison, and there had been an earthquake, and all the doors of the prison had opened up. 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. Forsyth A guy sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog for Sale." Roll and Tumble The guy goes into the backyard and sees a black mutt just sitting there. Free Sermons and Sermon Outlines for Preaching : Staying Faithful Thru Difficult Circumstances. The Disabled in the Life of the Church - Catholic Outlook. 12:7-11.) The girls real motive for confession was to draw peoples attention and build her own reputation as a fortune teller. The commentators say that Actsis highly idealized and should be read as a theological narrative and not as history. *other. Do they now release us secretly? But they all witness to the power of the Risen Jesus to transform lives. Chrysostom said of this incident, He (the jailer) washed and was washed. Go to www.ccontario.com for an en. Psalm 65:11, Acts 16:26, Denomination: It has been a blessing as well as a great help. As a result of the numerous miracles performed through Paul and Peter, the church grows daily. John Piper Feb 12, 1989. Proposition: Luke shares with us the story of the young Pythoness - 1. who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling (manteuomeneprophesying) (v. 16d). *other. What is the most important question ever to ask? He has a greater purpose that we often do not understand. Her Declaration concerning Paul and His mission and 3. The Greek word for "nations is 'ethnos' and means a race, tribe, or a people group in every area of the Earth. 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 and commanded them to be beaten with rods (v. 22b). For Jews Salvation meant deliverance from sin. Robert Jenson J.S. How do we stand strong during persecution? It was one of those times in scripture when God said not just yes but maybe. Last week I preached about Lydia, the Gentile businesswomen, who was the first Christian convert in Europe. Matthew 22:17. -- Whether its an invitation to a ballgame, to a BBQ, or even to church C. Paul commanded the evil spirit to come out in the name of Jesus Christand eliminated the source of distraction, A. Paul in exorcising the demon exorcised her masters source of income. We cant invent them either. Apostolic, THIS PASSAGE PRESENTS US WITH SEVERAL SCENARIOS, EACH OF WHICH PRESENTS PAUL AND BY INFERENCE US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF CHOICE. ), which the WEB has updated. Jurgen Moltmann Here are some common misunderstandings of Acts 16:31 . read more, Luke shares with us the story of the salvation of the Pythoness - 1. Acts 16:16-24. He is powerful. "Nathan, that bee is more afraid of you than you are of him," she said. They told the judges that Paul and Silas had brought a lot of trouble to the city. ROBERT RAYBURN SERMONS BOOK OF ACTS. These men, being Jews, are agitating our city (v. 20b). 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. After the earthquake breaks their shackles and opens their prison door they dont even try to run away. 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. you and your household (v. 31a). The crowd of people were angry and the judges tore off Silas and Paul's coats and commanded that they be beaten. Hemer, C.J. John Irving 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. **HELPING A LITTLE GIRL Paul would not disagree with her characterization. They also accuse Paul and Silas of being Jews, which of course is true. - It is important that you and I understand the power of an invitation He answered simply, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household." Since then, that simple answer has generated debate about its meaning. read more, Scripture: 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. Your email address will not be published. For Philippians Most High God meant a Phoenician deity, for Jews it was the Lord our God and for Greeks it meant Zeus, B. Fleming Rutledge Dexter Gordon Scripture: Acts 16:25-34. In some cases, they kidnap the children. Graham Greene 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. Baptist. Quite simply, it means even if something appears to be free, there's always some kind of catch. "Look how much bigger you are. The Prison Experiences Of The Bible. 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! Acts 16:16-26. 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. 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). Lydia is moved by Pauls teaching, the jailer by the dramatic earthquake and opening of his prison, the slave girl by being freed from her demon. Baptist. read more, Scripture: Every morning and every evening the head of a Jewish Rick Warren in Purpose Driven Church says that opportunities are the same. Gretchen Legler 28But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Dont harm yourself, for we are all here! 29He called for lights and sprang in, and, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas, 30and brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31They said, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household. 32They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house. **FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD Feb 12, 1989. It happened, as we were going to prayer (v. 16a). 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). In todays sermon, I am going to present to you four principles that make Christian ministry effective as seen in Acts 16:16-34. verses 16 - 18) All was lost. It is a dramatic story, which I think would make a great screenplay for an action movie. Illus. The miracle that God has worked is not just for the deliverance of Paul and Silas, but also for the deliverance of the jailer. Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. In this kind of situation, the magistrates should arrest the accused and schedule a trial to hear the accusations and to weigh the evidence. 25But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. This girl is neither. The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. Following Paul and us (v. 17a). So your friendly neighborhood lobbyist (or pastor) may buy you . 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). The story of Lydia is full of sweetness and light. read more, Scripture: He called for lights and sprang in, and, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas (v. 29). Her Deliverance and salvation An Invitation Requires Truth He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household (v. 33). This is the same verb used earlier in Acts 4:2 to describe the feeling of the Sanhedrin over the preaching of the apostles (ie., that Jesus was raised from the dead), and it is the word found in LXX Gen 6:6 for God's grief over the sin of the world prior to the flood. Second, the spiritual powers to which this girl has access are demonic. read more, Scripture: * This morning, as we gather for worship, delegates from the United Methodist Church around the world are gathered in St. Louis for the Special Session of General Conference. James No matter what your need is 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. Saul Bellow read more, Scripture: This verse probably summarizes a longer proclamation. Gracie Simmonds, Mar 7, 2022. The Bible teaches us by direct command to be grateful. Invitations, Part 6 God speaks in a special and personal way in close calls today. Miroslav Volf Lyle Lovett An Invitation Requires Truth 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. In Continue reading "Commentary on Acts 16:16-34" When they had brought them to the magistrates (strategois) (v. 20a). 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. IT WAS A BAD SITUATION Focus Scriptures: John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8 . Follow Desiring God on Facebook . Roman citizenship comes with a number of privileges, and is highly respected. 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). 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). "Most High" often referred to . Paul and Silas immediately used the opportunity for ministry, A. Paul and Silas were free to serve God with their whole hearts and th Any date. 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). Acts 16. 11 You crown the year with Your goodness, By John Raulerson Then they threw them in prison, in the deepest cell, and placed their feet in the stocks. Hes got the keys. P.D. Toward that end, I request you use your full name when commenting. Look up John 3:16; 1:12 (where to "believe" = to "receive"), and compare Acts 16:14 and Revelation 3:20. It comes from somewhere else. He could be asking what he must do to be saved from execution by the authorities. In Greek mythology, the great serpent, Python, lived in a cave near Delphi.and guarded the oracle there (Encarta). Paul and Silas visit Lydias home to encourage the believers, after which they do leave town. Annie Dillard Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who . Then things get ugly. Penal Statistics Data reports that **FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD read more, Scripture: 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. Gail Godwin 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. 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. Luke, the author of Acts, believed in the power of Jesus and his Gospel not only to transform lives, but to make extraordinary things happen and we have several of them in our story. When you do, nothing can prevent you from moving forward. The Board of Education which went to the Supreme Court. Acts 16:25-34 HCSB. (16:7) 644. Chapel 3 from Acts 16:25-34 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). As far as we can tell, Paul does not free this slave girl out of kindness. Sermon Acts 16:16-34 A Faith That Liberates. Psalms 65:11 NKJ It has been proved that church growth reaches its peak in the face of persecution. Model sermons available on Lifeway.com, in biblical order. William Shakespeare, Agatha Christie Did you ever notice something and it seems so suddenly new, but then you discover that it's always been there. John Piper Nov 11, 2007. 26 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), Wall, Robert W., The New Interpreters Bible: Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Vol. 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. In the previous verse, the accusers (the slave-girls owners) have identified Paul and Silas as Jews. 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. June 29, 2014 B. for us to accept or to observe, being Romans (v. 21b). Unable to shift positions, prisoners would grow more uncomfortable by the minute. To listen to an audio podcast of this sermon go to: https://anchor.fm/sunday-on-the-commons/episodes/Open-DoorsBroken-ChainsGuest-Preacher-the-RevDrRichard-LFloydJune-22019-e48v6m, Your email address will not be published. Acts 16:25-34, Denomination: 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 . He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. 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. 11 You crown the year with Your goodness, Besides, if that bee stings you, his stinger will . 34He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God. Pingback: The Girl Without a Name - Spacious Faith. If they can make a general charge like this stick, then they will find it unnecessary to defend more specific accusations. One of the persistent features of the New Testament is the ability of various spirits and demons to recognize Jesus, even when others (especially the disciples) are clueless. Sermon, "Voices from Prison: Paul and Silas," Acts 16:16-40 July 15, 2018 Sermon 7/15/18 . The only thing different is, that you finally became aware of it. A chapter by chapter and verse by verse study of Acts taught by Pastor Paul LeBoutillier of Calvary Chapel Ontario, Oregon. read more, Scripture: 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! In fact it is certain to be a day like absolutely no other that has gone before. When you are treated wrongly, entrust your soul to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. . read more, Scripture: Why did God say maybe? Beginning of the Book of Acts in Coptic; circa 4th or 5th Century. 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. It's Lent! Acts 16:16-34 (35-40) - Updated. Philip Roth Forsyth Arnold Kenseth read more, Scripture: 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. Acts 16:25-34, Denomination: 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). He was a walking dead man. Some are born again, some are born again and again and again (that describes me and Im not done yet.) So things are not looking too good for our heroes. Anthony Trollope Chris Botti 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). Richard Wilbur Download the teaching notes, gather your object . He had the knife in his hand, and he was about to kill himself. 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..